Dartmouth at 250: The Global Summit in London

Following the immensely successful launch events and 12 city U.S. tour for Dartmouth College’s $3 billion capital campaign, The Call to Lead, Dartmouth’s leadership and Board of Trustees once again engaged Empire as their creative and production partner to take Dartmouth’s message worldwide with a series of Global Summits.

Alumni, family, and friends from Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), gathered for Dartmouth’s first-ever Global Summit in London – a platform on which to claim Dartmouth’s pride of place in the global higher education landscape through increased brand awareness and institutional competitiveness, fostered by a highly enthusiastic, highly supportive international communities, including undergraduate alumni, graduate alumni and parents.​

The Global Summit weekend included three distinct events filled with learning, fun, and inspiration to celebrate Dartmouth’s 250th anniversary. Friday’s Welcome Reception showed that the “Big Green” had arrived in London. Held at The Shard, London’s tallest tower, the venue offered guests 360° views of the city and the iconic London landmarks, The Tower of London and the London Eye, which were lit in green light for the evening. At the Shard, guest enjoyed networking, cocktails and rekindled connections to Dartmouth’s five schools.

Saturday morning’s programming sessions brought guests “back-to-class” at the Institute of Technology & Engineering (IET Savoy) and fully immersed them in Dartmouth’s bold strategy and visions for its big bets on discovery. The lunch networking hour featured hosted table conversations and allowed for truly participatory engagement by all in attendance. Gail’s Bakery, owned by a recognized Dartmouth alumus, provided guests the opportunity to taste the best that London has to offer with a local connection to their Alma Mater.

The crowning jewel of the weekend was a spectacular celebration in one of London’s most historic venues, GuildHall, that fused Dartmouth’s rich history with forward-looking plans for its next 250 years. Students and faculty shared stories of collaboration that have led to world-changing impact spanning disciplines, generations and geographies. The evening included a surprise musical performance by the Dartmouth Idols paired with acapella group Anuna performing a 900 year-old Irish vocal tradition. The evening included stunning announcements of substantial support and donations by many generous alumni.

Between stage segments, meals were served with precision timing as guests were treated to a visual extravaganza of high resolution footage and imagery of the Dartmouth campus through the seasons.

The evening culminated with Laurel Richie, Board of Trustees Chair, recapping Dartmouth’s strategic priorities and energizing the crowd to act and answer The Call to Lead. At the conclusion of Richie’s remarks, guests moved into the afterparty, where Dartmouth’s Baker Tower, recreated with its spire glowing green, served as the centerpiece of the space. This striking scenic piece was surrounded by a variety of themed activities including a London phone box (recreated in green) and other social media activations.

Empire worked closely with several Dartmouth departments and teams, as well as faculty, students and volunteers, to plan and execute the first of these international events. Empire’s roles included concept & program development, venue acquisition, budgeting, registration, scripting, screen content production, technical production, catering, permitting, security, scenic, décor, staffing and guest logistics and experience.

Empire is a leading international producer of high-level events, both on and off campus, for many of the world’s leading educational institutions.

For more information on Dartmouth’s Campaign, visit https://calltolead.dartmouth.edu/about/dartmouth-250-global-summit

VIDEO CREDIT: Dartmouth MPG Team