To whom it may concern;

To this point I have made a concerted effort not to involve myself in the
emotional issues surrounding the budget situation the university currently
faces as well as the managerial questions raised by the handling of the
swimming/diving team situation within the Department of Athletics.

I must admit, however, that the recent letter posted by Ms. Lindsay Hochman,
moved me more than any of the more "rational and reasoned business
explanations" I have heard and have even presented myself.

The Dartmouth College and the Ivy League in general stands for far more than
excellence in education, in my eyes. Dartmouth, along with her brothers and
sisters, stands as a beacon of light in an educational system which, at
times has appeared to be a morass of poor management, inappropriate funding,
and athletic improprieties. I am concerned that this recent budget move may
overshadow much of the positive work done by the "Dartmouth Family."

Running a multi-million dollar business, accepting the responsibilities for
thousands of employees and their families as well as the well-being of
additional thousands of young people is an incredibly difficult task. The
fact that Dartmouth, Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Cornell, Penn, Brown,
Columbia, and Princeton Universities are considered world-wide as the
pinnacle of educational and athletic responsibility speaks to the fine job
you and your colleagues have done.

I would, however, now urge you to seek a means to reverse the decision made
re eliminating the Dartmouth University Men's & Women's Swimming and Diving
Teams. It is my guess that you are as surprised as I by the level of
coverage and potential funding this issue has raised. In my simple opinion,
I would urge you to turn a potential problem into a positive by reversing
your decision.

Thank you for your consideration.


Regards,

Al

Allan M. LaPrino

3-time USA National Team Swimming Coach
Former Yale University Men's & Women's Swimming Coach
Business executive