View the Convocation program and President Wolk's speech in its ...
View the Convocation program and President Wolk's speech in its ...
View the Convocation program and President Wolk's speech in its ...
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Reflections <strong>and</strong> AspirationsAugust 30, 2012State of <strong>the</strong> College AddressWelcome back to our wonderful college. And welcome to all who arewatch<strong>in</strong>g on NSN, live or on archive.A year ago we were reel<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n recover<strong>in</strong>g, from Irene. The silverl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> those dark clouds were revealed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> spirit of our community<strong>and</strong> our state. At Castleton we pulled toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>and</strong> completely recoveredfrom <strong>the</strong> devastation of Irene. We call it Spartan Pride. I want to offer specialthanks to VSC Chancellor Tim Donovan for his leadership <strong>in</strong> guid<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> colleges through our IT challenges <strong>and</strong> for stay<strong>in</strong>g calm after <strong>the</strong> storm.Their offices have now moved to Montpelier, <strong>and</strong> life goes onIt is great to be with you aga<strong>in</strong>. Now <strong>in</strong> my second decade at Castleton, Ican tell you that I have never been more excited about <strong>the</strong> college, <strong>and</strong> ourfuture, than I am today. What a wonderful beg<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to our year. I feel it.We have assembled an amaz<strong>in</strong>g leadership team, a talented <strong>and</strong> dedicatedfaculty <strong>and</strong> staff, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> best students <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world.This is a special year <strong>in</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r way as well. In December we will be celebrat<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> college’s 225th anniversary with <strong>the</strong> publication of a new bookon Castleton’s history, <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> September we will be celebrat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> 50thanniversary of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>auguration of our nurs<strong>in</strong>g <strong>program</strong>. I remember <strong>the</strong>wonderful celebration of our 40th year, <strong>and</strong> this one will be even better.Last year I spoke about Spartan Pride. Pride <strong>in</strong> our extended family. Pride<strong>in</strong> our students who make such a difference <strong>in</strong> our college <strong>and</strong> our communitybefore <strong>the</strong>y go out to make a difference <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world. Pride <strong>in</strong> ourexceptional faculty <strong>and</strong> staff. Pride <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> magical <strong>and</strong> wonderful ways wetreat each o<strong>the</strong>r. Pride <strong>in</strong> #343 Green. Pride <strong>in</strong> what has become StraightA’s for Castleton: Academics, Arts <strong>and</strong> Athletics. Pride <strong>in</strong> people overth<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> a college where, despite <strong>the</strong> dismal economy of <strong>the</strong> past few years,with many Vermont <strong>and</strong> New Engl<strong>and</strong> colleges cutt<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>and</strong> lay<strong>in</strong>g offemployees, Castleton cont<strong>in</strong>ues to benefit from ris<strong>in</strong>g enrollments <strong>and</strong> ahealthy <strong>and</strong> robust team of faculty <strong>and</strong> staff. Pride <strong>in</strong> our beautiful build<strong>in</strong>gs,fantastic facilities, <strong>and</strong> lovely l<strong>and</strong>scap<strong>in</strong>g.
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