This article appears in the 2025 Winter Carnival Special Issue.
Artificial intelligence is making waves worldwide, and Dartmouth College is eager to tap into this technology. However, this isn’t the College’s first venture into tech innovation.
From creating BASIC software in the 1960s to launching BlitzMail in 1988, Dartmouth has a rich history of embracing digital advancements. As we enter a new tech era, The Dartmouth took a look back at the College’s digital journey and what’s ahead.
A New Digital Age: Dartmouth Chat
In May 2024, Dartmouth introduced Dartmouth Chat, described as an “AI sandbox.” By January 15, it had provided seven large language model forum servers for students and faculty. English professor and advisor on AI, James Dobson, highlighted its aim to ensure equal access to powerful AI tools for the Dartmouth community.
Cyberinfrastructure architect Jonathan Crossett mentioned that discussions about expanding Dartmouth’s AI capabilities began in August 2023. Much of the groundwork was laid by Christian Darabos, a senior director at ITS. He said it started with a desire to gather various AI-related tools for better accessibility.
To help people get acquainted with AI, the College’s IT department developed multiple infrastructure versions that include features for natural language processing and object detection.
Darabos noted that they aimed to create a platform that is user-friendly, combining Dartmouth Chat with options for faculty to connect it with other applications for research.
Eljo Kondi, a web developer for the AI project, focuses on improving Dartmouth Chat to make it more tailored for users. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the models available for more effective use.
Dobson is also working on AI programs for the College, which include introducing AI literacy into First-Year Seminars and collaborating with Montgomery Fellows.
Experts see Dartmouth’s AI venture as a positive step. Computer science professor Soroush Vosoughi believes the servers will save resources and allow faculty to customize their AI models.
Concerns about data privacy in AI usage are valid. Dobson reassured that Dartmouth Chat users can choose models that keep their data local, which is crucial for those handling sensitive information. This feature also aims to minimize the environmental impact of AI by using resources efficiently.
Dartmouth’s Tech History: From 1964 to Now
Before Dartmouth Chat, the College was pioneering tech advancements during the early computer age.
Former College President John Kemeny and professor Thomas Kurtz launched computing initiatives in 1961, believing that computing should be as accessible as library books. By 1964, they created BASIC, an easy programming language, along with the Dartmouth Time-Sharing System, enabling multiple users to share a computer.
Fast forward to 1987, when a team led by Richard Brown and David Gelhar created BlitzMail, the College’s own email system. The idea emerged after IT staff felt the community needed an efficient email tool.
They quickly developed a prototype during “mail month” in November 1987, and by Christmas, the system was ready for use. Originally a placeholder name, “BlitzMail” captured the team’s speedy approach, and it stuck after a naming contest didn’t yield a better option.
BlitzMail quickly became popular. By freshman orientation, over 95% of new students were sending emails by the next day. It defined campus communication, as users often shared news of events and connected with each other.
Though once groundbreaking, BlitzMail was phased out in 2012, with the College shifting to Outlook for email. Initially opting for a secure option, the College later transitioned to Google Suite in 2019.
Today, while some may have reservations about AI, Dartmouth librarians believe they are prepared to guide students and faculty through the evolving landscape of digital tools, just as they did with earlier technologies like Google and Wikipedia.
