Reporter autumn2010 -a - Franklin Alumni Network - Franklin College

BEN FRANKLIN’S SKILLFUL,
PRACTICAL MIND
KNEW THAT PEOPLE ACCOMPLISH MORE TOGETHER
THAN ALONE, AND HE DEVOTED HIS LIFE
TO SERVING OTHERS BY BUILDING ASSOCIATIONS
AND INSTITUTIONS FOR THE COMMON GOOD.
For the past 176 years, Franklin College has done everything in its power to live up to Ben’s name.
BEN FRANKLIN WAS A REMARKABLE MAN. HIS OBSERVA-
TIONS ABOUT HIMSELF AND OTHERS ARE AS CLEAR AND
INSIGHTFUL AS HIS INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE NATURAL
WORLD. His skillful, practical mind knew that people accomplish
more together than alone, and he devoted his life to serving others
by building associations and institutions for the common good. For
the past 176 years, Franklin College has done everything in its
power to live up to Ben’s name.
We must be doing something right. Once again our academic year
opened with very full enrollment . . . 1,060 full-time students, to be
exact. In a challenging economy, students and their families have
high expectations and make college commitments very carefully.
They see something they like at Franklin College.
Record numbers of prospective students are applying and record
numbers of current students are graduating because Franklin
College has great teachers in small classes that prepare young men
and women for significant careers through the liberal arts. Because
we combine engaged learning with leadership and professional
development, our graduates gain admission to graduate and
professional schools and secure meaningful, rewarding jobs. Real
education is not easy; our students and their teachers work hard.
Ben Franklin would be delighted with these young Americans and
proud of the college that shares his name.
There are some interesting parallels between Ben Franklin and
Franklin College. Ben became the pre-eminent scientist and statesman
of his age by using his mind to unlock the secrets of nature,
applying his knowledge to improve the lives of others, and building
institutions to serve the common good.Students at Franklin College
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
explore the natural world, social
institutions, mathematics and the
arts.They learn to speak in public, to
accept responsibility for themselves
and others and to lead when it is
their time to act. From their first days
on campus, they work together to
improve the lives of people in our
community. It seems natural for them
to sit on a bench beside Ben for a
final photo after commencement.
Alumni and friends can be confident that Franklin College is preparing
graduates today with the habits of mind, readiness to act
and eagerness to serve others that made Ben Franklin a leader in
the difficult times that faced his generation and his nation. Our
future depends on these promising young people, and they depend
on your willingness to invest in them.
The great majority of our students have scholarships that your
annual giving makes possible. They attend classes in buildings,
live in residence halls and compete on playing fields that your
contributions build. They recognize and appreciate your support,
and they will make you proud. Thank you for helping them
experience Franklin College.
Sincerely,
Jay Moseley
President
FRANKLIN COLLEGE 19
franklincollege.edu/about