Each year, class marshals are selected by their fellow students on the basis of good citizenship, enthusiasm, integrity, and positive impact on others. The marshals carry batons engraved with their names as they lead their classmates to the Green during the commencement procession.
Student Marshals for 2018:
Kalei Akau ’18
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Major: Anthropology modified with Native American Studies and a Government minor
Kalei Akau strove to bring the aloha spirit to Hanover during her time at Dartmouth. She found her home with the Native Americans at Dartmouth (NAD) community, which fostered the exploration of her indigeneity as a proud Kanaka Maoli. Akau’s academic interests stem from her involvement with NAD. She majored in anthropology modified with Native American studies and minored in government, and wrote a senior thesis examining the role of identity in political pathways to Native Hawaiian sovereignty. While at Dartmouth, Akau was the president of Hokupaʻa–Dartmouth’s Hawaii club; president of Sigma Delta Sorority; an admissions tour guide; and a Baker-Berry Library assistant. Akau is most proud to leave her mark at Dartmouth with Hokupaʻa, as she and her fellow ’18s helped build a strong Hawaiian presence in Hanover, spearheading Hokupaʻa’s annual luaus. Following graduation, Akau will return home to Oahu to continue the next chapter of her journey.
Favorite place on campus: Native American House
“The Native American House and its loving community welcomed me with open arms my senior year of high school—before I was even an official Dartmouth student! Throughout my four years, it has been my home base and a space on campus where I always feel welcome and at home.”
Abbeygale Anderson ’18
Hometown: Boston
Major: Double major in Government and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Abbeygale Anderson has dedicated her time to being a leader in various communities. She served as the president of Dartmouth’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Anderson’s involvement in the NAACP allowed her to learn about advocacy while receiving the support she needed to succeed during her time on campus. Wanting to make other campus organizations more inclusive, she became the chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of student government and a member of the Council on Student Organizations. Aligning her professional and social interests, Anderson was an associate for Smart Women’s Security and studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science. After graduation, Anderson will be working as an investment banking analyst in New York, where she will get more experience before pursuing her JD/MBA.
Favorite Place: Jones Media Center
“My favorite places on campus will always be where my friends are. Jones Media Center gave us a neutral space to support one another both academically and socially.”
Max Bowman, Geisel ’18
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Degree: MD, Geisel School of Medicine
Max Bowman grew up with a love of the outdoors and the natural beauty of his home state. After graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in exercise physiology in 2014, he enrolled at Geisel, where he could further pursue his love of physiology and also explore the stunning landscape of New England. While at Geisel, Bowman has found enjoyment as a class representative on the Geisel Student Government, serving as vice president for two years. He also sat on the medical school admissions committee and led a program known as Art for Kids at AVA Gallery in Lebanon, N.H., for children with chronic health issues. He has also been engaged in medical research at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in various departments, and has been the student chair for the Alumni Outreach Office at Geisel. He was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and was awarded the Rolf C. Syvertsen Scholar and the Arthur Native Surgical Scholar awards. Bowman will spend the next six years completing his urology residency at the University of California, San Francisco.
Favorite place: Baker Tower
“Baker Tower has been my favorite place at Dartmouth ever since I was able to tour it during my first year of medical school. The tower is among the most recognizable of all Dartmouth landmarks, and the breathtaking view from the top encompasses both the town and the surrounding wilderness I have grown to love.”
Dalia Rodriguez Caspeta ’18
Hometown: Los Angeles
Majors: Environmental Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Rodriguez Caspeta spent her four years working to build bridges among different communities. During her time at Dartmouth, she promoted and worked toward inclusivity within the Sustainability Office and outdoor programs. She managed the Sustainability Office’s Eco-Rep Program, mentoring and educating incoming first-year students. She also has managed Sugar Crew, and the sustainability moving sale. She has worked within the LGBT community, creating spaces for queer people of color and serving as this year’s Pride programming chair, and has been part of the Inter-Community Council actively working on issues that affect various communities at Dartmouth. Recently she was named the first-year trips assistant director and she hopes to continue her work on inclusivity and the outdoors in this new role. She hopes that her intersection of identities as a first-generation, low-income, queer, Latinx woman will help create spaces for people like her within sustainability and the outdoors.
Favorite place: The Rainbow Room at Robinson Hall
“I chose Robinson Hall because not only is it associated with the outdoors but also because it houses my favorite place on this campus—the Rainbow Room. I have been studying there since I was a freshman. Having a space at the center of campus centered around my queer identity allows for me to have access to places such as Collis when in need of a late-night snack. Furthermore, it has been one of the few places on campus that I consider a safe space and a haven.”
Milan Chuttani ’18
Hometown: Dover, Mass.
Major: Government, Computer Science minor
Milan Chuttani is passionate about helping people feel comfortable in spaces he cares about. He has especially enjoyed welcoming new students to Dartmouth through the first-year trips program, as a lodge crew member in 2015, a trip leader in 2016, and a lodge crew co-captain in 2017. Academically, Chuttani is fascinated by immigration policy and software development. He interned at the International Rescue Committee’s office in Baltimore during the fall of his junior year, serving as a caseworker to asylees. Chuttani also loves learning about global security issues through the War and Peace Fellows program. Outside of the classroom, Chuttani enjoys serving as a DREAM mentor and as a ski patroller at the Dartmouth Skiway. After graduation, he will be pursuing an ORISE Fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Favorite place: Moosilauke Ravine Lodge
“The Moosilauke Ravine Lodge has always felt like home to me. Time moves slowly there, and it’s one of the few places where you can separate yourself entirely from technology. Spending time at Moosilauke always rejuvenates me.”
Samuel Goldhar, Tuck ’18
Hometown: Winnetka, Ill.
Degree: MBA, Tuck School of Business
Samuel Goldhar grew up in Winnetka, Ill., and moved to Boston to study at Tufts University. He began his career at the Massachusetts State Legislature, where he rose to hold the position of budget director to the House Committee on Ways and Means, and then worked as a consultant at PwC business services before setting his sights on business school. Goldhar came to Tuck with the goal of experiencing the best the school has to offer and making his own contribution to both the institution and the community. He found that opportunity in serving as class president. Among his other activities: playing hockey with his peers and playing guitar in a student rock band. After graduation, Goldhar will be returning to Chicago with his wife, Emily, who spent the past two years working at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center as a nurse practitioner and earning her own master’s degree in public health. Goldhar is excited about contributing to the Chicago network of Dartmouth alumni and resuming his weekend job at Wrigley Field, where he is a stadium seat vendor.
Favorite place: Sanborn reading room
“Sitting in my apartment in Boston, I was having trouble finding inspiration for my Tuck application essays, so on a Saturday morning I got in the car and drove the two hours to campus. I walked into the Sanborn reading room and spent the day there writing, dreaming, and realizing that no other school would make me feel as privileged to join, or as welcome. Sanborn has been an important place for me over the past two years when I needed to step outside the core Tuck buildings to think, find perspective or make decisions, and I’ve reserved it as a quiet space that was not for doing homework.”
Matthew Goldstein ’18
Hometown: Woodmere, N.Y.
Major: Philosophy
Knowing that he would likely never again spend four years in the wilderness, Matthew Goldstein became the first student from his high school ever to have applied to Dartmouth. He abandoned his longtime passion for finance and economics upon arriving in Hanover, and is now graduating with a degree in philosophy. As co-president of Chabad, editorial writer for The Dartmouth, member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and one-time member of men’s rowing, Goldstein acquainted himself with many corners of campus. He gained invaluable insights and knowledge from friends and professors at Dartmouth, but he has also learned what really counts: how to use a friend to cut the KAF line, when to skip class to go on a hike or jump in the river, and what to do for late-night food options. Goldstein will study law at Columbia Law School.
Favorite place: Thornton Hall
“Thornton Hall was among my favorite places on campus, and one I feel represents my intellectual development since I have come to Dartmouth. It is where I frequently encountered ideas that shaped and challenged my views in ways I hoped college courses would. I am lucky to have had the professors, classmates, and experiences that I’ve had. Thornton stands in for the best of each of those.”
Nicole Graham ’18
Hometown: Old Greenwich, Conn.
Major: Economics modified by Psychology
After being diagnosed with leukemia in her junior year of high school, Nicole Graham entered Dartmouth and finished chemotherapy during her freshman winter. She credits Dartmouth’s community for giving her the courage to embrace every opportunity, from studying abroad in Scotland to running the CHaD half-marathon. Growing up as an athlete and leader prompted Graham to join the club lacrosse team, becoming co-captain her junior year. She strengthened her bond to Dartmouth while working in Alumni Relations and serving as vice president of Chi Delta Sorority. With an interest in health care, Graham interned at a Boston biotech firm and a New York City health care consulting firm. Graham was devastated her senior winter to find her cancer had returned. Once again, her Dartmouth friends, teachers and administration amazed and supported her while she finished senior year undergoing treatment at home. A week after graduation Graham will receive a stem-cell transplant. Post-recovery, she will join the New York consulting firm with which she interned.
Favorite place: Occom Pond
“Occom Pond feels like home to me on campus. Regardless of the season, Occom is one of the most peaceful, breathtaking places. It never gets old no matter how many times I have walked or run around it. From taking a study break with friends to falling on the ice too many times than I’d like to admit, I have so many fond memories of Occom.”
Aimee Greeley, TDI ’18
Hometown: White River Junction, Vt.
Degree: MPH, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice
Aimee Greeley has been a practicing physical therapist for 15 years since earning her master’s degree in physical therapy at Springfield College. Working at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, she has always been interested in health care reform and believes physical therapists have an important and underutilized role in supporting population health. For her practicum project at TDI, Greeley sought to understand the value of coordinated physical therapy services within an integrated health care system, work she will continue at DHMC after graduation. As a DHMC outpatient physical therapy supervisor, Greeley is exploring ways physical therapy can reduce the onset of chronic pain and help manage the pain, and is participating in research aimed at reducing obesity among the elderly population. With tools and knowledge gained at The Dartmouth Institute, Greeley plans to continue to work to transform the delivery of physical therapy.
Favorite place: Occom Pond
“The Dartmouth Outing Club on Occom Pond was the venue of our first social event during the online MPH program’s first on-campus visit two years ago. The friendships and conversations enjoyed that night started my TDI journey. On each subsequent on-campus visit, I would run around the pond, with those inspirational conversations motivating me to continue my work as a public health advocate.”
Jack Heneghan ’18
Hometown: Atherton, Calif.
Major: Economics
Jack Heneghan is most grateful for the friends and classmates he has been lucky enough to meet during his time at Dartmouth. While in Hanover, he played quarterback on the football team, serving as a co-captain his senior year. Heneghan studied economics, worked as a researcher in the quantitative social science program, and spent the winter of his junior year studying at Keble College, Oxford, as part of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy’s exchange program. During off terms, Heneghan worked for a small venture capital firm, two tech start-ups, and a private equity firm. In his free time, he’s most apt to be found enjoying time with his fraternity brothers from Gamma Delta Chi or friends from elsewhere on campus. After graduation, Heneghan will return to California to continue training with the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL in preparation for their upcoming season.
Favorite place: Memorial Field
“Playing football on Memorial Field was in many ways the most rewarding part of my time at Dartmouth. The experiences I had there, while at times painful and challenging, helped shape me as a person and taught me important lessons I never would have learned elsewhere. Beyond that, it was a place where I met and grew close to many of my best friends. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that I had at Memorial Field—and Dartmouth more broadly—to grow as a person.”
Logan Kelly, TDI ’18
Hometown: Simsbury, Conn.
Degree: MPH, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice
Before joining the MPH program at The Dartmouth Institute, Logan Kelly worked on campaigns and then for a public affairs consulting firm in New York City, with a focus on health care policy advocacy. Through this work, she helped support the launch of a state-based health insurance marketplace created under the Affordable Care Act, as well as other initiatives to expand access to health coverage. At Dartmouth, her graduate work concentrated on state health policy analysis, and addressed integrated care for individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. She also served as a student ombudsperson. After graduation, Kelly will be working with a nonprofit policy center to advance innovations in publicly financed health care, focusing on individuals with complex health and social needs.
Favorite place: Occom Pond
“During meetings with my peer review group, a faculty mentor introduced us to walks around Occom Pond. Over the course of the year, I often returned to this route, and walked farther on the trails by the Connecticut River. These walks and the beautiful surroundings helped me focus my thinking on thorny questions that I was tackling in my classes.”
Harrison Perkins ’18
Hometown: Dallas
Major: English
From the beginning, Harrison Perkins has been excited about working with the Dartmouth community. He began his undergraduate career by participating in Dartmouth traditions, serving as a bonfire co-chair before being elected to the 2018 Class Council. Perkins was also on the Winter Carnival Committee, serving as a council member his first year and co-chair his sophomore year. He has been an ambassador for the College through organizations such as the Hill Winds Alumni Society and the Dimensions program. Two of his most rewarding experiences were working as the president of Psi Upsilon fraternity and laughing with the members of the Casual Thursday Improv Troupe. Both groups challenged him in different ways, and he will remember his time with them fondly. Perkins will be bringing his warm personality and lessons from Dartmouth to New York City to pursue a film MFA in creative producing at Columbia University School of the Arts.
Favorite place: The Green
“I love stopping on the Green and being surrounded by Baker Library, Dartmouth Hall, the Hopkins Center, and the administrative buildings. Those buildings are all pillars of the Dartmouth experience, but the Green has always been the centerpiece. The Green has been a constant at Dartmouth for so many generations of students, and spending time there makes me feel connected to both the broader Dartmouth community beyond Hanover and the College’s history.”
Aditi Phatak, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies ’18
Hometown: Indore, India
Degree: MS, Computer Science
Aditi Phatak earned her bachelor’s in computer science and engineering from Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya before moving to the United States to pursue her master’s in computer science from Dartmouth College. At Dartmouth, Phatak discovered the field of human-computer interaction research and decided to focus her work on creating effective user experiences for people interacting with software. Phatak worked as a user-experience designer at the Digital Arts, Leadership, and Innovation (DALI) Lab, where she was engaged in innovative projects for startups and NGOs. She also spent her summer interning as a user-experience researcher, working on software products used by financial institutions and their clients. Phatak was also involved with Dartmouth Desis, which organizes Southeast Asian cultural activities and events for graduate students. She hopes to pursue a career in user-experience design and research.
Favorite place: Cook Mathematics and Computer Science Collection
“The Cook Mathematics and Computer Science Collection on the third level of the Berry Library is my favorite place on campus. That is where I spent most of my waking hours learning, working, and growing as a professional. I love the view from the huge windows and the scent of stacks after stacks of old books that remind me how the pursuit of scientific discovery has always been a slow and tireless process, and that being allowed to dedicate some part of your life to it is a reward in and of itself.”
Gricelda Ramos ’18
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Major: Geography, modified with Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean Studies
At Dartmouth, Gricelda Ramos’ recognition includes being a Rockefeller Leadership Fellow, a War and Peace Fellow, International Public Health Fellow, an undergraduate adviser, and an apprentice teacher within Dartmouth’s Spanish and Portuguese department. She has also been involved in various theater productions through the theater department. Upon graduation, Ramos will attend Johns Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, where she will be concentrating in international economics and Latin American Studies. She has been selected as a Thomas R. Pickering Fellow, and will be joining the Foreign Service once her graduate studies are complete. Ramos has also been awarded a Fulbright in Brazil for the 2018-2019 academic year. Ramos would like to thank her family, her churches, and her loved ones for the unconditional support they’ve given her throughout her life. She would also like to thank FYSEP, OPAL, and her deans for helping her navigate through college.
Favorite place: Kresge Library
“Kresge is a sublime library where I have been able to cultivate professional relationships and friendships, and to nurture my hopes and dreams.”
Maria Rapetti, Thayer ’18
Hometown: Montevideo, Uruguay.
Degree: Master of Engineering Management
Maria Agustina Rapetti is an enthusiastic catalyst of change who understands technology and business and is interested in human-centered design. Born and raised in Uruguay, she moved to the United States to complete her master of engineering management degree at Thayer School of Engineering. Fascinated by the power of unlocking the creative potential of individuals, since last winter she has enjoyed working as the lead teaching assistant of the “Design Thinking” course at Thayer. She collaborated with the professors of the course and guided students through their learning the tools and mindsets of human-centered design. Prior to working at the College, she led an independent organizational improvement project for a nonprofit organization, and worked as a project manager for three years. She is continuously seeking to apply her hybrid set of skills to find solutions to complex challenges and generate a positive impact in the world.
Favorite place: Sanborn reading room
“To me, Sanborn libary represents Dartmouth in a nutshell. Sanborn is a quiet, cozy, and motivating space. The wooden architecture sparks instant conciousness of the traditions and history of the school. Whenever I get to the library I look for a balcony spot. Surrounded by the fascinating atmosphere, I feel hungry to learn, dive deeper into my work, and grateful of the opportunity of being part of Dartmouth College.”
Perry Scheetz, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies ’18
Hometown: Lancaster, Pa.
Degree: PhD, Chemistry
Perry Scheetz earned her BA in chemistry from Bard College in 2013. During her undergraduate years, she was the captain of the women’s soccer and track and field teams, and the recipient of the Seth Goldfine Memorial Scholarship for her leadership in academic and athletic endeavors. While at Dartmouth, Scheetz worked with Professor David Glueck to develop new pathways to chiral molecules via catalysis. In addition to her studies, Scheetz served on the Graduate Student Council as an activities coordinator for three years and was the co-founder and co-president of the Epicurean Club for two years. She is employed by Bloom Energy as a senior process engineer in Sunnyvale, Calif.
Favorite place: The Green
“Whether it’s a stroll on a beautiful summer day, or a momentous occasion like the homecoming bonfire or past commencements, the Green is the site of many happy memories for me.”
Shaun Sengupta ’17, Thayer ’18
Hometown: Secaucus, N.J.
Degree: BE in Mechanical Engineering
Shaun Sengupta arrived at Dartmouth knowing that he wanted to pursue engineering. Through his studies in electrical and then mechanical engineering, Sengupta found his interest in embedded systems. He combined this interest with his love for cars and automotive technology through his involvement in Dartmouth Formula Racing. This past May, he and his DFR teammates won first place in the hybrid vehicle category at the annual Formula Hybrid competition, a first in team history. This summer, after graduation, Sengupta will cycle in the Prouty and travel to cities throughout the U.S. and Europe. Sengupta plans to launch his engineering career this fall in the New York City area.
Favorite place: Allyn Lab in Thayer
“At Dartmouth, I channeled the great majority of my time into Dartmouth Formula Racing. As DFR finds its home in Allyn, I’ve spent countless hours here with my teammates designing and building components for our racecar, pulling late nights to get our car ready for competition, and resolving system malfunctions. This lab was my engineering amusement park, providing me with the tools and opportunities to explore various technical interests. I have many great memories doing racecar things with my racecar friends here in Allyn, and I look forward to staying involved with the team by mentoring future generations of DFR.”
Jonathan Smith TDI ’18
Hometown: Detroit, Mich.
Degree: MPH, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice
Aside from being a die-hard Detroit Lions fan, Jonathan Smith is passionate about helping to ensure that quality health care is accessible to everyone, regardless of social status or demographics. While working on his undergraduate degree in business at Western Michigan University, Smith worked at Kalamazoo Family Health Center, where he ran the information technology department and led the conversion from paper to electronic health records. Upon graduation, Smith continued his work in underserved communities by moving to rural Kansas and serving as the chief information officer at Genesis Family Health and leading another electronic health record conversion. In 2015, Smith went to work for the KAMMCO family of companies, where he has provided free technical support to clinicians throughout rural Kansas. He is currently the regional manager of KAMMCO’s health information exchange.
Favorite place: Hanover Inn
“My favorite place on campus is the Hanover Inn. The Inn is where we had our first class for the inaugural Online Master's in Public Health program, and where I met my classmates and Dartmouth faculty whom I now consider to be family.”
Benjamin Vonderheide, MALS ‘18
Hometown: Dartmouth, Mass.
Degree: Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies
Benjamin Vonderheide is married with two daughters. He is an active duty U.S. Army captain with 16 years of service. He served overseas in the Middle East and Europe. Before joining the MALS program, Vonderheide served as the company commander for a training unit at Fort Lee, Va. At Dartmouth, he studied globalization and conducted multiple independent studies before beginning his thesis work. During one study he examined societal inequality through the teachings of John Rawls and Thomas Piketty. Vonderheide chose to conduct an oral history for completion of his thesis. The work, titled “An Oral History of the United States Coast Guard Class of 1980,” is the story of the first coed class at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. It consisted of 21 interviews, including all 14 of the women who graduated. After graduation, Vonderheide will continue his military service as a logistics officer at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Favorite place: Jones Media Center
“I finished my thesis in Jones, seated behind my favorite Mac and amongst familiar faces.”
Joseph Blumberg can be reached at joseph.e.blumberg@dartmouth.edu.
