91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ

91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ on the Road

By Mike Teskey

Welcomes, thank yous, and insights were woven together in 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ on the Road, a series of events that brought alumni and friends together in several cities. The events provided an opportunity to meet President John R. Kroger and to share thoughts on leading 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ in the coming years. And the college extended thanks to everyone who pitched in to make the Centennial Campaign a success. Herewith some of the ideas exchanged:

Education is transparent at 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ. Tom Weisner ’65 suggested that true learning happens when students put forth—and defend—their ideas in front of probing peers. What a marvelous observation of the hard-hewn way we learn at 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ.

Be gentle with ourselves. I overheard this observation in Chicago. 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵies take education seriously and thereby create a stimulating and enriching environment for all. But it’s important to forgive the mistakes we make along the way. 

Why we need each other. Larry Rinder ’83 suggested that actively engaged alumni are the ideal resource to help 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ resist pressure to make the curriculum too instrumentalist. Alumni understand how a 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ education can be effectively applied in the world, and they help 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ make sure its curriculum stays focused on the why, not the how.

Dubai, Mumbai, Shanghai, or Goodbye. It’s great to read Plato and Aristotle, but several alumni want 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ to take a more global outlook. Adnan Hassan ’83 commented that the locus of power is shifting East. He urged 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ to beef up its study abroad program and to encourage students to look beyond Europe.

91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ passions run deep. Whether the lively views were voiced at the tables, posted on the comment charts, or shared in casual conversation, it was clear that alumni care passionately about 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ. As student Serra Shelton ’15 said in a recent video about the Centennial Campaign. “You have changed a life and, for that, thank you just isn’t enough.” 

To see more of the ideas exchanged from ROTR, visit the blog.