Giving them something to talk about
Casey's 'intellectual engagement' mantra provokes student, faculty dicussions
By: Andrew Maddocks
Issue date: 9/12/08 Section: News
Looking out at the faculty that filled Meharry Hall before him Aug. 22, President Brian Casey emphasized a theme that has become a mantra of his administration.
"The intellectual life of any college or university is the core of its mission, yet it can be the most challenging aspect to discuss," Casey said, "because it is simultaneously pervasive and intangible."
Casey's first speech to DePauw's professors as president opened the Faculty Institute, a morning when randomly selected groups of 18 or 20 spread out on campus like students at a middle school orientation.
From East College to Academic Quad, the faculty contemplated their ideal intellectual atmosphere at DePauw. The faculty discussions at the Institute produced 39 pages of notes.
"It was really gratifying," said Beth Benedix, professor of religious studies.
Casey synthesized those notes into four specific areas of exploration: connections around campus across traditional lines, the complexity of student and faculty requirements, spaces for people to naturally interact on campus and DePauw's ability to tell itself and the world about the institution's intellectual life.
Each of these initiatives is starting with an internal examination by faculty and students.
While Casey hopes to bring new attention to the subject, for some on campus, examining, "Why do I do what I do at DePauw?" is already automatic.
"I ask myself that question every day on the way to class," said sophomore music student Patrick Meyer. "I can't get away from it; I love it."
For senior Beth Lunik, the idea is integral to her personality.
"Your center is your intellectual life," Lunik said. "You can't let it be dull and sit there. You have to live it out."
Taking learning outside the classroom
Students and faculty shared many goals, visions and critiques. The most common sentiment was a desire to connect the classroom with campus life. Sophomore communication and anthropology major Elizabeth Ratchford articulated a point of view shared by many of her fellow students.
"The intellectual life of any college or university is the core of its mission, yet it can be the most challenging aspect to discuss," Casey said, "because it is simultaneously pervasive and intangible."
Casey's first speech to DePauw's professors as president opened the Faculty Institute, a morning when randomly selected groups of 18 or 20 spread out on campus like students at a middle school orientation.
From East College to Academic Quad, the faculty contemplated their ideal intellectual atmosphere at DePauw. The faculty discussions at the Institute produced 39 pages of notes.
"It was really gratifying," said Beth Benedix, professor of religious studies.
Casey synthesized those notes into four specific areas of exploration: connections around campus across traditional lines, the complexity of student and faculty requirements, spaces for people to naturally interact on campus and DePauw's ability to tell itself and the world about the institution's intellectual life.
Each of these initiatives is starting with an internal examination by faculty and students.
While Casey hopes to bring new attention to the subject, for some on campus, examining, "Why do I do what I do at DePauw?" is already automatic.
"I ask myself that question every day on the way to class," said sophomore music student Patrick Meyer. "I can't get away from it; I love it."
For senior Beth Lunik, the idea is integral to her personality.
"Your center is your intellectual life," Lunik said. "You can't let it be dull and sit there. You have to live it out."
Taking learning outside the classroom
Students and faculty shared many goals, visions and critiques. The most common sentiment was a desire to connect the classroom with campus life. Sophomore communication and anthropology major Elizabeth Ratchford articulated a point of view shared by many of her fellow students.
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