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President's Column
"It's a Wonderful Life!"
Each December the College throws a holiday party
for faculty and staff in our dining hall, or “The Caf”
as generations of students have called it. It’s not an
extravagant affair, just a late afternoon gathering
of those who labor here, along with their spouses
and significant others. There’s a DJ and dancing
for those so inclined, and a wonderful buffet of
tasty treats prepared by our dining services staff.
(Although we’ve offered to have outside caterers
come in so that our dining staff can relax and enjoy the festivities, they will have none of it. They say
they get their pleasure from watching others enjoy
the fruit of their labors.)
The party’s theme this year was “It’s a Wonderful
Life.” The touching old Frank Capra film starring
Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed played on a large
screen throughout the evening.
The theme seemed the perfect complement to
the current challenging economic circumstances as
well as a timely reminder of what is really important.
Although the word “crisis” has become so overused
that it has lost much of its impact, there is no doubt
that we live in trying times. Uncertainty and anxiety
are palpable as each day seems to bring another
distressing headline about the economy or the
fecklessness of some business or political figure.
As I walked among the faculty and staff with
Capra’s film playing in the background, I felt a deep
sense of gratitude for all those who labor here
day in and day out to teach, to guide, to feed, to
shelter, and to care for our students. For those of
us who are privileged to be here, the great payoff is
watching our students grow up before our very eyes,
developing greater confidence, stronger intellectual
skills, and most importantly, discovering gifts and
talents they did not know they had. It is enormously
rewarding work—a “wonderful life,” indeed.
Of course, as the current stewards of the
College, we are also acutely aware of those who
came before us, especially the many generations of dedicated faculty who set high standards for our
academic programs and the generous benefactors
who provided material resources to make those high
standards possible.
Although none of us can know what tomorrow
will bring, we remain optimistic that this old college
has staying power. Our dedicated, hard-working
faculty and staff believe deeply in our mission.
Our generous and committed trustees provide
both financial support and thoughtful leadership.
Our friends and benefactors throughout the world
share our commitment and provide support that is
essential for our work.
We are reminded again and again that in times
of exponential change the education we provide has
more practical and durable value than ever. We are,
quite literally, preparing our students to navigate
a world of change and uncertainty. That is what
a liberal arts education has always been about,
and we are encouraged by the growing numbers
of prospective students as well as business and
government leaders who recognize the enduring
value of the liberal arts.
As you peruse the pages of The Albright
Reporter, I hope that you, too, will find cause to be
grateful for Albright and will continue to do all that
you can to support us in these challenging times.
Despite the challenges and the uncertainty, we will
continue to proclaim that “It’s a wonderful life!”
Happy New Year!
Lex O. McMillan III, Ph.D.
President |
