President Roger Hull invited Union's newest students to join in the
College's tradition of “following the courage of their
convictions” during his address at the opening convocation on Tuesday.
“Members of the class have a wide range of interests, and if they
are anything like the students already here, they will add lively and new
perspectives in many, many ways,” the president said.
Hull began with examples of courage from Union's early history – the
founding of the College by frontier settlers; Eliphalet Nott's 62-year
presidency and his introduction of modern languages, sciences and a planned
campus; the purchase of Alaska through William Seward, Class of 1828; and
U.S. President Chester Arthur's (Class of 1848) dismantling of the
patronage system.
Citing more recent alumni, he spoke of Gordon Gould '41 and his long
battle against large corporations to secure his claim as an inventor of the
laser; Norton Reamer '58, who turned his tiny investment office into
United Asset Management with portfolios of more than $200 billion; and
Andrea Barrett '74, who left biology to write, earning the National Book
Award for Ship Fever in 1996.
He also cited Frank Federici '98, who spoke out against hazing, and
earned the Bailey Cup for his contributions for reforming the Greek system;
Mikhail Iossel, writer in residence, who supported himself as an engineer
and night watchman before emigrating from his native Russia; and Prof.
Steven Sargent, who left a career in engineering to teach history.
The College has followed the courage of its conviction as well, Hull
said, sending the largest contingent of students to the National Conference
on Undergraduate Research, volunteering with the local organizations like
Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and investing in the College Park neighborhood.
Bonney MacDonald, associate professor of English, received the Stillman
Prize for Excellence in Teaching.
Of MacDonald, one student wrote in her nomination, “I hated Emerson
when I had to read him in high school, but I truly enjoyed him in (Prof.
MacDonald's) class.” Another wrote, “Her enthusiasm kept me
awake at 8:40 classes in winter term.”
MacDonald thanked her students and colleagues, saying, “When
intellectual vigor and true dialogue take place in the classroom, there's
nothing like it.”
Julia Naftulin '02 received the Phi Beta Kappa Prize for outstanding
achievement in General Education. Maureen Farrell '02 received honorable
mention.
In a reception prior to the convocation, the College recognized 629
students who last year made the dean's list. Their names appear on a
plaque in the Reamer Campus Center.