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Articles by Kay Alvito
Hanover polls are closed
This is The Dartmouth's live coverage of Nov. 3 midterm elections in Hanover, Lebanon and Lyme before polls closed. For live coverage after poll closing, read here.
Dartmouth hosts ‘AI at 70’ conference
The two-day conference, which celebrated the 70th anniversary since the term “artificial intelligence” was coined at Dartmouth, featured 36 events with professors, researchers, technology executives and more. On Oct. 29 and Oct. 30, Dartmouth hosted “AI at 70: What Must Remain Human?,” a conference commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence, for which the term “artificial intelligence” was coined.
‘We need fighters’: Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Chris Pappas visit Dartmouth Democrats
The pair visited the College ahead of Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H.,’s Nov. 3 Senate contest against former Republican Sen. John Sununu. On Oct. 25, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., visited the College to discuss Pappas’s campaign against former Sen. John Sununu for an open U.S. Senate seat in the Nov. 3 midterm election.
Ayotte and Warmington debate education funding, cannabis legalization
On Oct. 22, Republican incumbent Gov. Kelly Ayotte and Democratic challenger and former executive councilor Cinde Warmington participated in a gubernatorial forum co-hosted by New Hampshire Public Radio and the Granite State News Collaborative. Approximately 80 people attended the debate at the Harpoon Brewery in Manchester, N.H., according to Granite State News Collaborative founding member Carol Robidoux. This was their second debate, following an Oct.
Ayotte and Warmington debate education funding, cannabis legalization
On Oct. 22, Republican incumbent Gov. Kelly Ayotte and Democratic challenger and former executive councilor Cinde Warmington participated in a gubernatorial forum co-hosted by New Hampshire Public Radio and the Granite State News Collaborative. Approximately 80 people attended the debate at the Harpoon Brewery in Manchester, N.H., according to Granite State News Collaborative founding member Carol Robidoux. This was their second debate, following an Oct.
How artists build creative careers: Q&A with Niegel Smith ’02
More than two decades after graduating from Dartmouth with a degree in theater, Niegel Smith ’02 is an award-winning theater director and performance artist. He was associate director of the 2010 Tony Award-winning musical “FELA!” and also co-directed the 24-hour performance concert “A 24-Decade History of Popular Music,” which toured globally and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2017. Smith received the Bessie Award for outstanding visual design for his work on the production.
Three weeks ahead of midterms, New Hampshire ban on using student IDs to obtain a ballot is in limbo
On Oct. 2, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante ruled that students may use school-issued IDs to prove their identity and obtain a ballot for the midterm elections on Nov. 3. New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, who appealed Laplante’s ruling on Oct. 6, encouraged students to bring their government-issued IDs such as driver’s licenses and passports to the polls at Dartmouth Civics Oct. 13 voter registration drive.
Protests, policy shifts and power grids: Controversy over New Hampshire data centers intensifies
Early-stage plans to build a hyperscale data center in Bow, N.H. have drawn opposition from residents and intensified debate among state politicians over how to handle the costs of artificial intelligence. Over 100 people gathered outside of a selectboard meeting in Bow, N.H., on Sept.
N.H. Executive Council visits Hanover
On Sept. 16, the New Hampshire Executive Council and Gov. Kelly Ayotte hosted their biweekly meeting in Hanover for the first time since 2014. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Dartmouth community to engage with local government officials and witness policy in action.
Heads up: Dartmouth ends partnership with mental health platform Headspace
On Sept. 9, Dartmouth students using Headspace — an app for guided meditation, sleep and breath work — through the College’s institutional subscription were informed by email that Dartmouth had ended its partnership with the app and, with that, their memberships.
‘As sister stands by brother’: Q&A with Nicole Sakowitz ’88, first person to conduct the modern version of the alma mater
This article is featured in the 2026 Freshman Special Issue. In 1971, Dartmouth’s faculty overwhelmingly voted to mandate coeducation by the fall of 1972. The early years of coeducation were turbulent. It was only until 16 years after the first class of women began attending the College that the alma mater — Dartmouth’s unifying song, which rings from the Baker-Berry Library bells every day at 6 p.m. — recognized female students in its lyrics.
Editors’ Note: Dear Old Dartmouth
In this year’s Freshman special issue, the editors look at the history of Dartmouth’s alma mater and share pieces of advice for the incoming Class of 2030. This article is featured in the 2026 Freshman Special Issue. Dear Class of 2030, Welcome to Dartmouth! You’ve just joined a community with a very unique identity, and we’re sure you have a lot of questions: What’s with all these scooters everywhere? Why is New Hampshire called the Granite State?
When ‘the old traditions fail’: The untold history of the alma mater
First written in 1894, Dartmouth’s alma mater has long been subject to changes and controversy because its gendered language only recognized the “men of Dartmouth.” Whether you’re a member of the Class of 2030 or the Class of 1988 or even the Class of 1894, you’ve heard Dartmouth’s alma mater, or at least some version of it. The familiar chords of “Dear Old Dartmouth” echo out from the Baker Library bells every day at 6 p.m. like clockwork.
Inventor and Thayer professor Eric Fossum discusses his invention of the chip that made cell phone cameras possible
Thayer School of Engineering office of entrepreneurship and technology transfer vice provost Eric Fossum is an award-winning engineer who invented the pixel image sensor, patented in 1995, that made it possible for cell phones to have built-in cameras. Fossum’s career as an entrepreneur, inventor, professor and researcher has evolved as he has built increasingly sophisticated sensor chips for biomedical and industrial cameras.
Meet Jennifer Hunt, Geisel’s first female dean
On April 3, College President Sian Leah Beilock and Provost Santiago Schnell announced that University of Florida College of Medicine interim dean Jennifer Hunt will serve as the next dean of the Geisel School of Medicine. She will make history as the first female dean in Geisel’s history when she assumes her role in August. The Dartmouth interviewed Hunt about her mission at Geisel and the future of the medical field. How do you feel about being the first female dean in Geisel’s 229-year history?
Yale professor Laurie Santos says happiness is about ‘doing stuff for others’
On May 12, Yale University psychology professor and podcast host Laurie Santos discussed the “student mental health crisis,” the impacts of artificial intelligence on mental health and the policy applications of happiness science at an event hosted by the Rockefeller Center for Public Policy.
The Mics, the Lights and Green Key Nights: Behind-the-scenes of Green Key weekend
This past weekend, Dartmouth hosted its annual Green Key music festival, headlined by the band Grouplove. While the celebrations take place over just a few days, the weekend is the result of months of extensive planning by the Programming Board and campus organizations such as Phi Delta Alpha fraternity, which hosts its annual Block Party before the Programming Board’s mainstage concert.
Former employee sues Dartmouth Health for wrongful termination and retaliation
On April 3, former Dartmouth Health chief quality and value officer Carol Barsky filed a lawsuit against Dartmouth Health in the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire. The publicly-filed complaint alleges that Dartmouth Health wrongfully terminated Barsky for presenting her safety concerns regarding medical equipment used at the hospital.
Meet Jennifer Hunt, Geisel’s first female dean
On April 3, College President Sian Leah Beilock and Provost Santiago Schnell announcedthat University of Florida College of Medicine interim dean Jennifer Hunt will serve as the next dean of the Geisel School of Medicine. She will make history as the first female dean in Geisel’s history when she assumes her role in August. The Dartmouth interviewed Hunt about her mission at Geisel and the future of the medical field. How do you feel about being the first female dean in Geisel’s 229-year history?
Affordability, community and free expression: Why the Class of 2030 chose Dartmouth
The College offered 1,687 regular decision invitations to the Class of 2030 on March 26, rounding out an application cycle that took place amidst political tensions in higher education, including Dartmouth’s rejection of the Trump administration’s compact for higher education. Rachael Woodard ’30, a high school senior from Colorado, said she has noticed that the political landscape has been a source of “anxiety” for incoming college students.
Native American House to close next year for renovations
The Native American House will close for renovations from Commencement this year until next summer, according to Native American Program director Adria Brown ’15. Renovations will expand the house and add additional bedrooms and bathrooms, according to Brown. The Native American House provides “cultural, social and educational enrichment for Native, Indigenous and other interested students,” according to the Native American Program website.
Norwich Farmers Market to relocate to year-round facility
Norwich Farmers Market will relocate to a new, year-round location, according to Norwich Farmers Market board president Leslie O’Hara. Vendors, customers and directors discussed the market’s plans for a year-round facility with improved parking capacity. Currently, the market operates in two locations. In the summer, it is located outdoors at 281 Route 5 South in Norwich and is accessible to Dartmouth students via bus.
From ski jumps to snow games: Winter Carnival then and now
This article is featured in the 2026 Winter Carnival Issue. From ice sculptures to ski jumps, frigid polar bear plunges to winter light shows, the Winter Carnival has long been one of Dartmouth’s signature traditions. Since its founding in 1910, the Winter Carnival has evolved from a Dartmouth Outing Club Ski and Snowshoe day into a campus-wide event, according to Dartmouth News.
Journalists David French and Sarah Isgur praise Supreme Court’s ‘integrity’
On Jan. 29, New York Times Opinion columnist and former attorney David French said the Supreme Court’s conduct has been “quite heartening” and that it has stayed “within its constitutional bounds” at a Rockefeller Center event.
MLK Jr.’s daughter Bernice King denounces distortion of father’s legacy at campus talk
Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., denounced distortions of her father’s legacy amidst the current political climate at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day keynote speech on Jan. 28. Approximately 170 people attended the event — which was hosted by the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity at the Hanover Inn Ballroom — and another 200 streamed the event over Zoom, according to associate vice president for inclusion and strategic engagement Tennille Haynes.
Over 80 community members gather for vigil mourning Renée Good
On Friday evening, about 85 Dartmouth students and community members gathered for a candlelight vigil mourning Renée Nicole Good. Good, a 37-year-old American citizen and mother of three, was shot and killed in Minneapolis, Minn. by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross on Jan. 7. The shooting has sparked protests and vigils across the U.S. On Saturday, another American citizen — 37-year-old Alex Pretti — was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
Live Free Or Die! New Hampshire at 250
Jan. 5 marked the 250th anniversary of New Hampshire’s adoption of its first state constitution — the first of the 13 colonies to adopt a constitution and form an independent state government. In light of the anniversary, students, faculty members and state historians considered the state’s unique history, culture and political identity. New Hampshire government professor and State Rep.
New report shows women in New Hampshire earn 24% less than men
New Hampshire women now earn 76 cents for every one dollar New Hampshire men earn — or 24% less than men — on average when comparing full-time workers, according to an Oct. 28 report from the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation. The national average in 2023 was 82.7 cents, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. The 2023 U.S Census Bureau American Community Survey showed that New Hampshire ranks 46 in pay equality out of all 50 states.
Dartmouth reacts as Democrats sweep state elections across east coast
On Tuesday, Democrats took home several major east coast election wins, including the mayoral race in New York City and gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey. Entering the New York City mayoral race relatively unknown, Democratic nominee and self-identified democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani garnered 50.4% of the vote, compared to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 41.6%.
‘O Catarinão’: New Community Newspaper Strengthens Memory and Identity in Jardim Catarina, in Greater Rio de Janeiro’s São Gonçalo
Clique aqui para Português Check out our complete series of community media profiles here. Launched in October 2024, the newspaper O Catarinão portrays the favela of Jardim Catarina in São Gonçalo, a municipality in Greater Rio de Janeiro‘s Leste Fluminense region, to the east of Guanabara Bay. The paper focuses on providing relevant information to residents while helping recover the community’s history, memory, and identity.
First Sustainable Favela Festival ‘Favela Solutions at the Center’ Welcomes 1,100 People to Experience the Socio-environmental Power of Favelas
Clique aqui para Português On Saturday, October 19, following seven years of growing activity, the Sustainable Favela Network (SFN) hosted its first event open to the general public. The 1st Sustainable Favela Festival: Favela Solutions at the Center brought together 1,100 people from across Greater Rio in Lapa, at the heart of Rio de Janeiro’s downtown.
Meeting of the Waters in City of God: Local Project Strengthens Identity and Salvages Memory of the Community’s Rivers
Clique aqui para Português This is the final in a series of articles on water justice in the favelas resulting from the course “Climate Justice in Community Journalism: From Pitching to Writing.” The course, conducted by the RioOnWatch team in collaboration with the Sustainable Favela Network (SFN)* Youth Working Group took place between July and September 2023.
Urban Planners at Rio's Federal University Get Special Class on Favela Climate Memory
Clique aqui para Português Invited by the Urban and Regional Planning and Research Institute (IPPUR) at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and supported by the Research Support Foundation for the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), on December 11, museum members of the Sustainable Favela Network (SFN)’s Climate Memory Working Group took part in the “Brazil’s Past Urbanizations” discussion panel.
When Memories Collide: ‘Favela Climate Memory’ Exhibition Launched by Rio de Janeiro’s Sustainable Favela Network [VIDEO]
Clique aqui para Português On Saturday, June 17, Vila Autódromo in Rio de Janeiro’s West Zone hosted the launch of the Climate Memory of the Favelas Exhibition, organized by community museum members of the Sustainable Favela Network (SFN) and partners.
Rio de Janeiro Street Vendors' Battle for Rights: My Informal Work Matters! [VIDEO]
Clique aqui para Português This video-report shares accounts by three street vendors and shows the lived reality of informal workers on the streets of Rio de Janeiro. The video features Maria de Lourdes do Carmo, 48, known as Maria dos Camelôs (Maria of the Street Vendors), a class leader who has worked on the streets since 1996.
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