Senior Student-Athletes Honored in Year-End Celebration

Celebrating the class of 2021 with games, food and memories

Photo by: Gil Talbot

Megan Phelps, Adrienne Shibles, Ian Connole

Photo by: Gil Talbot

L-r: Didi Niles, Kathleen Mulligan, Grace Player, Marin Pennell, Margot Genereux

Photo by: Gil Talbot

L-r: Didi Niles, Grace Player, Marin Pennell, Margot Genereux, Kathleen Mulligan

Photo by: Gil Talbot

Senior Student-Athletes Honored in Year-End Celebration

5/20/2021 5:03:00 PM | Athletics, Peak Performance

Roby's Remarks Photo gallery

The athletes and staff gathered at Memorial Field on Monday

By: Rick Bender

HANOVER, N.H. — The Dartmouth Athletics Department held a Senior Celebration for its student-athletes on Monday evening to honor its seniors after one of the most difficult athletic seasons ever at the college. Nothing can ever replace the games and events lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the department wanted to celebrate the class and thank them for not only their perseverance and patience, but also for what they did accomplish on the fields of competition during their careers.

Over 175 seniors and staff members gathered at Memorial Field to play recreational games, socialize, receive gifts and enjoy snacks over the entire field and track. A 20-minute highlight video, showcasing clips and photos of the seniors competing for the Big Green, was followed by remarks from Dartmouth Interim Director of Athletics and Recreation Peter Roby '79. His message to the crowd was one of hope and positivity, along with gratitude for the contributions from each of the seniors throughout their careers.

The organizer of the event, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Peak Performance Ian Connole, had this to say: "After all that these seniors have been through, we were really happy to do something to show our gratitude for their leadership through such turbulent times. Student-Athlete Advisory Committee members in the Class of 2021 were integral in helping to shape an event that was centered on coming together, enjoying each other's presence and sharing appreciation. After all, we know the relationships they have developed and the impact they have made on their teams and our campus community will continue well into the future."

The department awards, which are normally announced at this event, will be revealed at a future date, including the Kenneth Archibald Prize that is given to a member of the graduating class who combined all-around athletic achievement and high academic standing. The award has been handed out to at least one recipient in all but six years (mostly due to World War II) since 1910.