MLDP Excellence Fall 2023

This is a time when I always feel bitter-sweet. The term is fast and furious, and it's great to be looking forward to a break, but I have also really enjoyed getting to know all of you and seeing you grow. So, I get a little bit attached to you by this point. So please, if you see me on campus, don't hesitate to say a quick hello. Also, I am now part of your network, so if you need coaching or want to catch up, feel free to put yourself on my calendar. I would really enjoy helping or just talking with you.

I want to recognize everyone's contribution to this program. I've seen all of you engage in your own unique ways. I've seen a lot of hard work on personal leadership challenges. I want to recognize that you have all positively impacted your lives and the Dartmouth campus through your challenges. Just imagine all the small and positive changes made on campus through Personal Leadership Challenges over time. This is so inspiring to me. I've also seen you here every week in mind, body, and spirit for yourself and everyone else in this room.

The excellence selection process is rigorous, but we take a holistic approach. Recognizing those who have excelled in this program through hard work and determination is important. But more importantly, the excellence process focuses on celebrating those who make the program thrive by helping others succeed. The entire process is set up to focus on others. To achieve excellence in MLDP is to enrich the experience of others in the program, in the wider Dartmouth community, and in the world. Those who achieved excellence in MLDP, have shown up for the program and for others. We cannot lead if we don't show up.

If you have any questions, please set up a time to meet with me.

Julia Abbott '26
Julia was a massive presence in every session, and her impact was evident and inescapable. She contributed passionately to every discussion, speech, and reflection, ensuring every participant was as enthusiastic as she was. Her passion for MLDP was infectious and spread through every situation she encountered –– outside the classroom included. Thank you so much for your energy and liveliness these last few months.

Malachai Ah Yo '26
Malachi took on a difficult leadership challenge and made the most of it. The reward has indeed been everyone's to share as his skills in leadership and communication were seen more and more throughout the term. Malachi was unafraid to share his unique perspective with the participants, and we are incredibly grateful to observe how he fully committed to every aspect of MLDP this term. Peers described Malachi as "hardworking and thorough." Thank you for being an example to all of us this term.

Shakeb Arsalan '26
Shakeb's conversational skill and levity made difficult topics palatable and, therefore, much more accessible. This sort of involvement that seems to follow in his wake encouraged others to interact and contribute. Shakeb adds value to every space he enters. It was a joy to see him interact with his fellow MLDP participants this term.

Faisal Azizi '25
It was incredible to observe the ways Faisal fully committed to this program. In each session, his passion and enthusiasm were palpable and pushed other participants to be the best versions of themselves. We are so grateful for the opportunity to observe Faisal's growth in this program watching him develop into an active and accomplished leader who is prepared to handle any situation with which he is presented. Faisal also showed his commitment to MLDP by marketing the program widely to his friends and colleagues. Thank you for your dedication to the program.

Baptiste Gibrat GR '24
We are incredibly grateful for Baptiste's participation in MLDP this term, specifically in his insightful and creative responses to our speakers' questions, bringing in the context of his
organization outside Dartmouth. He was courageous for sharing his unique perspective in front of our entire cohort, and his thoughts positively impacted many students this term. We are beyond appreciative of Baptiste's participation in MLDP this term!

Julian Gutierrez '26
We are so proud of the role Julian took on in MLDP this term. Although we are thrilled by the mentorship role he assumed as the term progressed, we are not surprised. From the beginning
of the program, it was clear that Julian was willing to go above and beyond what was expected of him in all areas of the program. Because of his steadfast dedication, Julian received the most nominations this term.

Maya Magee '25
Maya was an excellent and active participant during group discussions, and both guest speakers and students alike made note of it. During the program and asynchronous learning, it was clear that Maya was dedicated to enhancing her leadership skills. Her clarity and ease of speaking was a great addition to these 9 weeks. Thank you for your energetic leadership in this program.

Yasmeen Hussein '26
Yasmeen has been a consistent and active participant from start to finish, and it has been a pleasure to work with her throughout the term. Showing up early and frequently sticking around after sessions have been hallmarks of what Yasmeen has brought to this program. She strove to connect with her peers, speakers, and staff alike. Thank you so much for your thoughts and your dedication.

Carly Walther-Porino '25
Carly was an incredible contributor to every conversation and session we held in MLDP. Although she did not speak frequently, her thoughts about the topics were succinct and profound, and she provided incredible insight and clarity. She was described as "super genuine and super effective" by her fellow participants in MLDP, and the program was enriched with her in it.