Another Tradition Fails

Wednesday, June 5, 1996

This year's graduation is not being held on Baker Lawn, as was the tradition since President Eisenhower spoke here over forty years ago. That is, until last year when it was moved, with no input from graduating seniors, to Memorial Field to make room for the crowd that would descend upon Hanover to hear Clinton's campaign speech in the guise of a commencement address.

This year the issue was put to a vote. Members of the Class of 1996 were asked if they preferred Commencement ceremonies to be held in the football stadium or 'in the vicinity of Baker Library.' Baker Library won overwhelmingly. However, some students were surprised that 'in the vicinity of Baker' did not mean Baker Lawn but rather the north end of the Green.

'I felt totally bamboozled,' said a '96. 'I thought they meant Baker lawn.'

The decision to move the ceremony was made by college officials and the senior class council. College Spokesman Roland Adams said he didn't feel the question was misleading. 'There was no intent to mislead [students],' Adams explained 'it's just a question of space.' He added that the picturesque Baker edifice will still be the backdrop for the ceremony.

Neither Adams, nor any members of the '96 Class Council contacted about the
move had heard any complaints. 'I haven't heard anything like that from students,' said class president Brendan Doherty.

But some students are upset. 'I just wish I knew what I was voting for,' commented Chris Berg '96. 'The College has been expanding over the years and letting in too many people. It's starting to catch up to us and ruin great traditions. The Green is nice, but Baker. It's much cozier. It feels like the small college Dartmouth is supposed to be.'

Another Tradition Fails

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