Comments for Roth on Wesleyan http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu Michael S. Roth became Wesleyan University's 16th president on July 1, 2007. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:51:09 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 Comment on Great Day for Wesleyan by Adam Abel http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/27/great-day-for-wesleyan/#comment-8250 Adam Abel Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:27:32 +0000 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/27/great-day-for-wesleyan/#comment-8250 Dear President Roth, After attending the "Obama commencement" at Wesleyan a few weeks ago, I am often asked to recount the powerful words of our hopefully soon-to-be-elected president. While I exhibit the scars from the lump in my throat, I explain to people that although I was moved by Obama, it was the new President of Wesleyan that blew me away. I have read your commencement speech on line and emailed the link to family, friends and anyone else with whom I spark a political conversation. In a time where questioning and criticizing anything American is immediately labeled "unpatriotic", your call for peaceful change was an act of courage on its own. Wesleyan has always represented liberal and alternative views, but the people leading the school have not always reflected this image. While Wesleyan had a tremendous impact on my life and the life of my family, I have not been inspired to remain connected to the University since I graduated. But after being introduced to you through your provocative and eloquent words, I am excited about Wesleyan again and have been moved to ignite a new relationship with the school. Sincerely Adam Abel '98 Dear President Roth,
After attending the “Obama commencement” at Wesleyan a few weeks ago, I am often asked to recount the powerful words of our hopefully soon-to-be-elected president. While I exhibit the scars from the lump in my throat, I explain to people that although I was moved by Obama, it was the new President of Wesleyan that blew me away. I have read your commencement speech on line and emailed the link to family, friends and anyone else with whom I spark a political conversation. In a time where questioning and criticizing anything American is immediately labeled “unpatriotic”, your call for peaceful change was an act of courage on its own. Wesleyan has always represented liberal and alternative views, but the people leading the school have not always reflected this image. While Wesleyan had a tremendous impact on my life and the life of my family, I have not been inspired to remain connected to the University since I graduated. But after being introduced to you through your provocative and eloquent words, I am excited about Wesleyan again and have been moved to ignite a new relationship with the school.

Sincerely

Adam Abel ‘98

]]> Comment on Fraternal Wesleyan by Tom Patricelli '88 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/10/fraternal-wesleyan/#comment-8070 Tom Patricelli '88 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:07:30 +0000 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/10/fraternal-wesleyan/#comment-8070 Well done, President Roth, for sending the message that fraternities, and other 'frat-like' associations, are part of the vitality and diversity of Wesleyan. Contrary to one reader's assertion, I do not think President Roth was presenting an 'incomplete' list of worthy campus associations, as 'Derek' implies. Rather, President Roth was commenting that he had visited the Greek groups with houses. Obviously all of the groups cited in the above comment are important parts of the fabric of Wes, and make up the 'rich choice of social organizations' on campus to which President Roth referred. It is this olla podrida of groups, organizations, houses, and social associations that make Wesleyan great, fraternities included. I bet there aren't many other schools that can claim a menu like DKE, Psi U, the Womynist House, Skull and Serpent, Alpha Delt, Eclectic, and the Nietzche Factor on one small campus. Let's give our President credit for visiting with these groups (more such visits to come, I'm sure) and recognizing that they all have a role to play at Wesleyan. Well done, President Roth, for sending the message that fraternities, and other ‘frat-like’ associations, are part of the vitality and diversity of Wesleyan. Contrary to one reader’s assertion, I do not think President Roth was presenting an ‘incomplete’ list of worthy campus associations, as ‘Derek’ implies. Rather, President Roth was commenting that he had visited the Greek groups with houses. Obviously all of the groups cited in the above comment are important parts of the fabric of Wes, and make up the ‘rich choice of social organizations’ on campus to which President Roth referred. It is this olla podrida of groups, organizations, houses, and social associations that make Wesleyan great, fraternities included. I bet there aren’t many other schools that can claim a menu like DKE, Psi U, the Womynist House, Skull and Serpent, Alpha Delt, Eclectic, and the Nietzche Factor on one small campus. Let’s give our President credit for visiting with these groups (more such visits to come, I’m sure) and recognizing that they all have a role to play at Wesleyan.

]]> Comment on Summer Rhythms by Norman Stuessy http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/06/04/summer-rhythms/#comment-7947 Norman Stuessy Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:19:40 +0000 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/06/04/summer-rhythms/#comment-7947 It's great to see this line of communication continuing. I was afraid it might shut down for the summer. This blog has become my primary connection with Wesleyan. It’s great to see this line of communication continuing. I was afraid it might shut down for the summer. This blog has become my primary connection with Wesleyan.

]]> Comment on Following Up by George deVries Klein '54 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/20/following-up/#comment-7870 George deVries Klein '54 Sat, 31 May 2008 13:51:43 +0000 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/20/following-up/#comment-7870 Having observed a similar interaction between Wesleyan students and Middletown police in 1954, let me make a few comments. First, Dr. Roth stated “But let me be clear: we will not tolerate abusive behavior by the police any more than we will tolerate it by our own students.” Although this is a great statement, backing it up will be difficult. Second, as Jeff Boutwell ’98 reminded us, Dr. Roth has no authority over the Middletown police beyond back channel routes through the Middletown city government. Third, because the campus abandoned the doctrine of “in loci parentis” in the 1960’s, Roth can’t be expected to control student behavior in an instant, particular with many living off-campus. He can only enforce campus rules after a negative incident occurs. From my perspective improving relations between the campus and the Middletown community will not be an easy task. Not having visited since 1996, I don’t know what the current community values and mores are. What I do know is this. Relationships are two-way streets and the Wesleyan community must address the question “What must Wesleyan, particularly its student body, do to improve community perceptions about Wesleyan?” In my view, the biggest impediment to improving ‘town-gown’ relations is Wesleyan’s elitist paradigm. It starts at the admissions office, is perpetuated by the faculty and administration, and permeates the Alumni office in its dealings with Alumni. I recall an article during 2007 by the on-line Newsletter editor extolling the virtues of Wesleyan’s ‘small college’ environment as providing a superior education leading to success in life compared to larger institutions of higher learning. Not only were these remarks off base, but totally false. I wrote that individual a letter calling to his attention the successes of people from places that are traditionally considered weak institutions (and people are wrong about that too) and received an acknowledgement that my point was well taken but Wesleyan still was better. Such elitist arrogance radiates from Wesleyan into the community, and therefore, it is no surprise that when students or others cross a social or legal boundary, pent-up resentments will surface in most unpleasant ways. Wesleyan offers a high quality education (or at least did so in the past) but it not a guarantee of a superior place in society or success. A certain level of humility about being given the opportunity study there and to develop the skills of life-long learning will go a long way to improving both town-gown relations, and a realistic expectation of what life will hold on graduation. In short, part of the solution to improving relations between Wesleyan and the surrounding community is for Wesleyan to reassess itself and tone down the elitist and smug attitude that prevails there. Margaret Thatcher said “The veneer of civilization is very thin.” It’s best to remember that when dealing with the world beyond Wesleyan’s campus and adjust accordingly. Having observed a similar interaction between Wesleyan students and Middletown police in 1954, let me make a few comments.

First, Dr. Roth stated “But let me be clear: we will not tolerate abusive behavior by the police any more than we will tolerate it by our own students.” Although this is a great statement, backing it up will be difficult. Second, as Jeff Boutwell ’98 reminded us, Dr. Roth has no authority over the Middletown police beyond back channel routes through the Middletown city government. Third, because the campus abandoned the doctrine of “in loci parentis” in the 1960’s, Roth can’t be expected to control student behavior in an instant, particular with many living off-campus. He can only enforce campus rules after a negative incident occurs.

From my perspective improving relations between the campus and the Middletown community will not be an easy task. Not having visited since 1996, I don’t know what the current community values and mores are. What I do know is this. Relationships are two-way streets and the Wesleyan community must address the question “What must Wesleyan, particularly its student body, do to improve community perceptions about Wesleyan?”

In my view, the biggest impediment to improving ‘town-gown’ relations is Wesleyan’s elitist paradigm. It starts at the admissions office, is perpetuated by the faculty and administration, and permeates the Alumni office in its dealings with Alumni. I recall an article during 2007 by the on-line Newsletter editor extolling the virtues of Wesleyan’s ‘small college’ environment as providing a superior education leading to success in life compared to larger institutions of higher learning. Not only were these remarks off base, but totally false. I wrote that individual a letter calling to his attention the successes of people from places that are traditionally considered weak institutions (and people are wrong about that too) and received an acknowledgement that my point was well taken but Wesleyan still was better. Such elitist arrogance radiates from Wesleyan into the community, and therefore, it is no surprise that when students or others cross a social or legal boundary, pent-up resentments will surface in most unpleasant ways.
Wesleyan offers a high quality education (or at least did so in the past) but it not a guarantee of a superior place in society or success. A certain level of humility about being given the opportunity study there and to develop the skills of life-long learning will go a long way to improving both town-gown relations, and a realistic expectation of what life will hold on graduation.

In short, part of the solution to improving relations between Wesleyan and the surrounding community is for Wesleyan to reassess itself and tone down the elitist and smug attitude that prevails there.

Margaret Thatcher said “The veneer of civilization is very thin.” It’s best to remember that when dealing with the world beyond Wesleyan’s campus and adjust accordingly.

]]> Comment on Disturbing Semester's End by George deVries Klein '54 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/17/disturbing-semesters-end/#comment-7846 George deVries Klein '54 Fri, 30 May 2008 17:07:54 +0000 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/17/disturbing-semesters-end/#comment-7846 Let me add to the previous comment. It is critical for public credibility that an American university be perceived by society as an "Honest Broker". It is unclear to me if the Wesleyan Administration, and others in the Wesleyan Community understand this. Perhaps the hostility towards Wesleyan by the local community may, IN PART, stem from the lack of clarity on the university's public role. Let me add to the previous comment.

It is critical for public credibility that an American university be perceived by society as an “Honest Broker”. It is unclear to me if the Wesleyan Administration, and others in the Wesleyan Community understand this. Perhaps the hostility towards Wesleyan by the local community may, IN PART, stem from the lack of clarity on the university’s public role.

]]> Comment on Disturbing Semester's End by George deVries Klein '54 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/17/disturbing-semesters-end/#comment-7829 George deVries Klein '54 Fri, 30 May 2008 02:30:38 +0000 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/17/disturbing-semesters-end/#comment-7829 Glen Pritzker (Item #7 stated "The town, clearly, has no idea what the University’s mission is..." After a 33.5 year career as a Professor (Univ. of Pittsburgh, Univ. of Pennsylvania, Univ. of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign), I have often wondered, since graduating from Wesleyan and working in a variety of unviersities, if the Wesleyan Administration, faculty, students, alumni and Board of Trustees know what the mission of a real university is. Recent events during the past month raise substantive doubts. Glen Pritzker (Item #7 stated “The town, clearly, has no idea what the University’s mission is…”

After a 33.5 year career as a Professor (Univ. of Pittsburgh, Univ. of Pennsylvania, Univ. of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign), I have often wondered, since graduating from Wesleyan and working in a variety of unviersities, if the Wesleyan Administration, faculty, students, alumni and Board of Trustees know what the mission of a real university is. Recent events during the past month raise substantive doubts.

]]> Comment on Great Day for Wesleyan by Sandy Pelletier http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/27/great-day-for-wesleyan/#comment-7825 Sandy Pelletier Thu, 29 May 2008 21:14:12 +0000 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/27/great-day-for-wesleyan/#comment-7825 Congratulations on an inspiring Commencement, it has been an honor to be part of the Wesleyan community for the last 8 years. As parents of Nick ’08 and Josh ’04, the education, friendships and experience that both our sons have been provided by the Wesleyan community has been life changing. The paths are sons are choosing can best be described by your and Senator Obama’s words. They are leaving Wes as “productive idealist” hoping to “deliver service of greater good”. Josh as a Returning Peace Corps Volunteer has entered graduate School at Tulane University continuing to do Public Health work in New Orleans. Nick will be leaving for South America shortly to begin a year commitment to teach English in South America. Thank you Wesleyan! Sandy Pelletier Congratulations on an inspiring Commencement, it has been an honor to be part of the Wesleyan community for the last 8 years. As parents of Nick ’08 and Josh ’04, the education, friendships and experience that both our sons have been provided by the Wesleyan community has been life changing. The paths are sons are choosing can best be described by your and Senator Obama’s words. They are leaving Wes as “productive idealist” hoping to “deliver service of greater good”. Josh as a Returning Peace Corps Volunteer has entered graduate School at Tulane University continuing to do Public Health work in New Orleans. Nick will be leaving for South America shortly to begin a year commitment to teach English in South America. Thank you Wesleyan!
Sandy Pelletier

]]> Comment on Great Day for Wesleyan by Rebecca Ehrlich http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/27/great-day-for-wesleyan/#comment-7816 Rebecca Ehrlich Thu, 29 May 2008 14:34:06 +0000 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/27/great-day-for-wesleyan/#comment-7816 President Roth, I wanted to express my utmost appreciation for all that you contributed towards the Commencement ceremony. It not only marked this very fantastic and frightening transition in my life, but also left me with important messages and a sense of duty in the world. Your speech as well as that of Senator Obama were poignant, powerful, and truly encompassed what my four years of Wesleyan has really been about. I am extremely grateful for your work as President this year, and all that you have done to improve and represent our institution both internally and externally. I wish that I were able to stick around and watch the University grow under your guidance over the next few years. Wesleyan has been my home where I have grown tremendously and forged relationships with peers and mentors that will last a lifetime. I am sure that you will continue your efforts to provide this experience for many new generations of students. Thank you, Rebecca Ehrlich '08 President Roth,
I wanted to express my utmost appreciation for all that you contributed towards the Commencement ceremony. It not only marked this very fantastic and frightening transition in my life, but also left me with important messages and a sense of duty in the world. Your speech as well as that of Senator Obama were poignant, powerful, and truly encompassed what my four years of Wesleyan has really been about.
I am extremely grateful for your work as President this year, and all that you have done to improve and represent our institution both internally and externally. I wish that I were able to stick around and watch the University grow under your guidance over the next few years. Wesleyan has been my home where I have grown tremendously and forged relationships with peers and mentors that will last a lifetime. I am sure that you will continue your efforts to provide this experience for many new generations of students.

Thank you,
Rebecca Ehrlich ‘08

]]> Comment on Great Day for Wesleyan by Geoff Provo http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/27/great-day-for-wesleyan/#comment-7793 Geoff Provo Wed, 28 May 2008 21:02:01 +0000 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/27/great-day-for-wesleyan/#comment-7793 My daughter, Alexandra '10, stayed at school after finals to work on a recycling project. She was able to attend the graduation ceremonies and told me it was truly a great day. Although I was only able to participate through the WES webcast, I completely share her opinion. She's very happy to be at Wesleyan and I'm most happy she's there!! Congratulations on a wonderful day. Geoff Provo My daughter, Alexandra ‘10, stayed at school after finals to work
on a recycling project. She was able to attend the graduation ceremonies and told me it was truly a great day. Although I
was only able to participate through the WES webcast, I completely share her opinion. She’s very happy to be at Wesleyan and I’m
most happy she’s there!! Congratulations on a wonderful day.
Geoff Provo

]]> Comment on Great Day for Wesleyan by sourav guha http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/27/great-day-for-wesleyan/#comment-7787 sourav guha Wed, 28 May 2008 18:25:08 +0000 http://roth.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/05/27/great-day-for-wesleyan/#comment-7787 President Roth, the content of your commencement address was bold, courageous, much needed and much appreciated. Your words reminded me why I so deeply value my Wesleyan education and experience. They also marked the first time I have heard any senior staff at Wesleyan so clearly, concisely, explicitly and self-assuredly articulate the power and purpose of the Wesleyan education and experience. Thank you for speaking out against violence and the corrosion of civil rights and civil liberties, and for insisting that these movements stand in stark opposition to everything for which Wesleyan stands. sourav guha, alumnus, class of 1998 assistant dean of admission, 2001-04 institutional research associate, 2005-06 President Roth, the content of your commencement address was bold, courageous, much needed and much appreciated.

Your words reminded me why I so deeply value my Wesleyan education and experience. They also marked the first time I have heard any senior staff at Wesleyan so clearly, concisely, explicitly and self-assuredly articulate the power and purpose of the Wesleyan education and experience.

Thank you for speaking out against violence and the corrosion of civil rights and civil liberties, and for insisting that these movements stand in stark opposition to everything for which Wesleyan stands.

sourav guha, alumnus, class of 1998
assistant dean of admission, 2001-04
institutional research associate, 2005-06

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