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December 8, 2005
When a college is more than a college
I love to visit colleges and universities. When traveling, even on vacation, I will take time out to walk around campuses that I have never been to. Part of my interest is to see what is successful at other places and bring those ideas back to Albright, but my other motivation is that colleges are just great places to visit. I can't think of any place that exudes optimism, excitement, energy or a vision for the future like a college campus.
Anyway, had an amazing opportunity to visit West Point last week and I've got to tell you it was one of the greatest college/campus visits I have ever had..............................................
I am all about tradition, history, nastalia and being inspired by things. So when my brother-in-law, who is a Lieutenant at West Point offered to show us (my family) around, I jumped at the chance. While walking around you could just feel why students (cadets) are drawn to the College. You can feel the history and tradition and purpose in every brick. The scenery is second to none (although I did need a heavier jacket!). The view of the Hudson is stunning. All cadets are required to eat two meals a day together and the dining facility feeds 4,000 at a time!
My brother-in-law spoke of the traditions and requirements students have. Obviously a freshman year (plebes) at the Academy is much different than it is at Albright. He showed us what the barracks looked like in the 1800s all the way to the 1960s and present. We saw where ceremonies took place, where the generals live, where his helicopters take off, and where former President Carter was going to sit when he visited the next day! He also showed us things that you would see at all colleges: the football field, the basketball courts, the fitness centers, and classrooms. There was a hockey game the day of our arrival and the Nutcracker was being performed. So many similarities and so many differences, I saw enough salutes to make my arm tired.
But when you see the piece of the wall from the Pentagon where flight 77 hit and the cemetery on campus you realize that students and employees at this college have a higher purpose. The cadets with their graduation year on their jackets are getting an education that will not only make them leaders of business and industry, but leaders on the battlefield. Some of them will lose their life defending our way of life. The thought of this brings goose bumps to your arm and tear to your eye. You can't help but feel proud and indebted when walking through the Academy.
Thank you to all that have passed through the West Point and the other Academies. Our way of life and freedom, which includes our educational system, is owed to you. God bless and thank you for serving.
Posted by Chris Boehm at December 8, 2005 10:32 AM