Gratifying Opportunities
Photo by Carl Socolow '77.
by David Carlson '99, outgoing alumni council president
This spring I was on campus for my 20th reunion, and it served as a stark reminder of how important this institution has been for so many lives. I saw individuals to whom I had not spoken in 20 years and we greeted each other like family, because on some level we had become exactly that. People came from around the globe to visit this unique spot in Pennsylvania where many of our adult lives began. We met spouses and children and caught each other up on the multitude of life events that had transpired since we last spoke. We had drinks with retired professors who helped shape us and gave them the heartfelt “thanks” that they so richly deserve. If you have not been back for a reunion, I cannot emphasize enough how gratifying it can be, if you let it.
This spring also marks my last as president of the Alumni Council. I have served my two-year term and I now pass the helm to far more capable hands—the Honorable Al Masland ’79, P’06. Please join me in welcoming him to this role.
The gift of this position has been the ability to see how Dickinson impacts the lives of those who come into its orbit. We, the Dickinson community, change the world around us and in so doing we are changed. My time on the council has reinforced my belief that we are all more fulfilled when our talents are employed for a useful purpose. I am certain my time on the council was exactly that and recommend anyone reading this to invest your time, talents and treasure right here, into this amazing institution. Just engage and see where it takes you.
While I will no longer be president, please feel free to reach out at davidcarlson2026@gmail.com. I’ll still be seeing you on campus or at an event near you.
Read more from the summer 2019 issue of Dickinson Magazine.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published August 15, 2019