Believe me, I'm not one to write letters. Nor am I a

supportive Dartmouth alum. However, when I found out

that Dartmouth had decided to cut the swimming and

diving teams to save money, I felt I had to say something.

 

I think the decision is absolutely ridiculous.

Dartmouth is consistently rated as one of the best

schools in the country. Dartmouth alumni are

continually very successful and give back to the

school. Dartmouth grass is always manicured and

Dartmouth leaves are always sucked up by a huge

machine as soon as they hit the ground. Dartmouth is

always highly respected. In fact, Dartmouth was a

little too perfect and rich for me, which is why I

never really felt like I fit in there.

 

How is it now that this institution that made me feel

that way cannot figure out how to come up with

$212,000 rather than cut some of its sports programs?

Dartmouth, which requires a swimming test to graduate.

Dartmouth, which requires applicants to be

well-rounded and participate in extracurriculars.

Dartmouth, which seems to encourage its students to

continually strive for excellence.

Dartmouth, which is always raising more money, even

from parents of students who are currently enrolled.

 

Dartmouth, you will be making a huge and lasting

mistake if you cut these programs for what is a small

and temporary financial strain. I hope that you reconsider.

 

Chandra Guglik

Class of 1997