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Half a Degree of Separation to Meryl Streep





Did you have any idea when you were watching this beautiful and talented woman win an Academy Award last night that there was only half a degree of separation between you and Meryl Streep?

Some people go to Europe for Junior Year Abroad, but in the fall of 1970 I went to New Hampshire. I was part of an exchange between women's colleges and men's colleges "in advance of coeducation." At the time it wasn't clear that there would be coeducation, although now the thought seems somewhere out of Victorian times. It was the second year of this experiment and there were 70 "coeds" and 3,000 men of Dartmouth. During fall term both Meryl Streep and I were part of the 70 coeds. I'm not sure we exchanged more than a hello, but with such a small number of women I recognized all of the women and Meryl was a standout, even as a college senior. She was beautiful and profoundly talented and it came as no surprise that she has had an award-winning career.

I loved my year at Dartmouth. Yes, the social life was fun, but it wasn't just parties. The academics were superlative and I made some great friends. I liked Dartmouth so well that in the last decade I've returned for three alumni summer weeks and had a wonderful time. As for the experiment in coeducation, by the following fall (1971) the trustees of Dartmouth voted to permit women to matriculate and the first coed class graduated in 1973. Alas, one year too late for me.

The only downside to Dartmouth was the weather. There were January days when it was thirty degrees below zero, and we didn't factor in wind chill in 1971. Twenty degrees was a warm day! Still it is one of the most beautiful places I know.

Source: google.com.tw via Carol on Pinterest

Hanover, New Hampshire: the most Quintessential New England place 

Thank you for your prayers for Baby Crew. Please stop by Grammy Girlfriend's for a wonderful update.

Wishes for a sweet and happy evening! 

15 comments

Shell said...

You always have such fascinating experiences, I guess that's part of what I love about you!

I'm glad you had a positive, if not HUGE impression from Meryl. I've had a few brief encounters with Celeb's that left me cold, but I've also met a few that were "real." Loved that!

I cannot even fathom your educational experiences,,,,I think that is one of the differences between our "coastlines" for the most part!

Thanks for Sharing! Hugs,
Shell

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Hobnobbing with the celebrities must have been fun if only at a distance. Half a degree is better than no degree at all! Now I'll check out the surprise! Hope your evening is wonderful as well. I've been doing some sandal shopping in anticipation of warmer weather!

Terra said...

How neat you have only one degree of separation from the talented Meryl Streep. I see you went to Dartmouth for your junior year; for mine I attended college in Istanbul and met James Baldwin. Our brushes with celebrities.

Melinda said...

Prayers and blessings for Baby Crew!

Melinda

Mary Bergfeld said...

It is a wonderful school and I can imagine the great times you had there. Meryl is a great actor and I'm so glad that was recognized last evening. Has anyone else won three? Have a great evening. Blessings...Mary

iheartsunnydays said...

How exciting - one degree of seperation! That school looks beautiful, I wouldn't have minded going to school if it looked like that :)

Theresa said...

WOW Beautiful! Great memories re-visited! Have a blessed day my friend, HUGS!

Catherine Denton said...

How cool that you knew her! She does seem like an amazing woman. And even her acceptance speech stood out from the rest.

Thanks for your comment on my blog and the encouragement!
Catherine Denton

Ms Sparrow said...

I've admired Meryl Streep since I first saw her years ago in a TV mini-series about the Holocaust. It's interesting that she made such an impression on you just as a classmate.

Catherine said...

Life has many coincidences. If only we were aware of them all. It is fun.
Blessings my dear, Catherine xo

Anonymous said...

I am having a Pillowcase Giveaway ! !
Stop By before 3/10 & leave a comment...
Have a Great Day!!
Marilyn

Pam said...

It's a great school and you were definitely in great company. Meryl is about the best when it comes to acting!

Nancy M. said...

How cool! It looks beautiful, but wow is that cold!

TARYTERRE said...

Who knew she'd be winning an Oscar one day. And that you could say you knew her back in the day. VERY cool.

Lynda said...

That is so very interesting! It is really a small world.