Changing DePauw for the better
By: Ted Jacobs
Issue date: 9/16/08 Section: Opinion
Change is something we hear of often these days, and as DePauw students, it is a theme that transcends multiple layers of our identity. As Americans we are aware of a choice that, come November, will dictate the change we see in this country. Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain have declared themselves agents of change. Obama strives to create a new image for our country; a black man in the White House would undeniably lay the foundation for a new America in the 21st century. McCain also promises a new direction; the man known as the maverick of the Republican Party is back after an extraordinary pick for his running mate.
Here at DePauw, President Brian Casey began to implement change with an excellent convocation. Casey is a man who combines proven success in "the real world" with a deep understanding of the academic universe. He will use his experience to steer DePauw in a direction that will prepare us for the challenges of a rapidly shifting world.
As individuals we have all had recent experiences with change. Just a few short weeks ago we were enjoying the carefree days of summer, eating home-cooked meals and showering in places where sandals were not a necessity. Now we spend our nights forcing down philosophy and practicing equations - a far cry from the beach.
Clearly change is not only an abstract campaign theme, or something created by those in executive positions. It is something available for all who work to attain it, and at times forced upon those who want no part of it. Change is also something the students and administration of this University are very good at accomplishing.
Last year DePauw received a D+ on the Sustainable Endowment Institute's College Sustainability Report Card. The administration jumped to action and created an infrastructure to promote sustainability. The students did their part as well, a charge led by the good men and women of the DePauw Environmental Club. The movement has even spread to the greek community, which I find quite impressive. You would not believe how difficult it is to control where fraternity men and their guests throw empty cans. Now we have certified green buildings, a DePauw Discourse focusing on sustainability and the ultimate goal of becoming a carbon-neutral institution. Even the Hub now touts reusable dishware and compost bins. Change can happen, and has happened, on this campus.
A new year brings new opportunities for improvement. Just as a D+ on the sustainability report card spurred the administration to action, attaining the number-one spot on the Princeton Review's list of beer drinkers will, in all likelihood, have a similar effect. Whether or not we agree with the method of the survey, from a parental perspective, the best beer consumption in the country is not something for which you shell out $31,400. Our administration is well aware of that, and it is a stigma it will likely work hard to change.
We as students have two options. We can continue to do what we do best and see how the administration works to stop it, or we can put our time and energy into more productive activities. If neither option works we can always compromise. If we're going to drink the most beer in the country, we might as well recycle the most cans.
-opinion@thedepauw.com
Here at DePauw, President Brian Casey began to implement change with an excellent convocation. Casey is a man who combines proven success in "the real world" with a deep understanding of the academic universe. He will use his experience to steer DePauw in a direction that will prepare us for the challenges of a rapidly shifting world.
As individuals we have all had recent experiences with change. Just a few short weeks ago we were enjoying the carefree days of summer, eating home-cooked meals and showering in places where sandals were not a necessity. Now we spend our nights forcing down philosophy and practicing equations - a far cry from the beach.
Clearly change is not only an abstract campaign theme, or something created by those in executive positions. It is something available for all who work to attain it, and at times forced upon those who want no part of it. Change is also something the students and administration of this University are very good at accomplishing.
Last year DePauw received a D+ on the Sustainable Endowment Institute's College Sustainability Report Card. The administration jumped to action and created an infrastructure to promote sustainability. The students did their part as well, a charge led by the good men and women of the DePauw Environmental Club. The movement has even spread to the greek community, which I find quite impressive. You would not believe how difficult it is to control where fraternity men and their guests throw empty cans. Now we have certified green buildings, a DePauw Discourse focusing on sustainability and the ultimate goal of becoming a carbon-neutral institution. Even the Hub now touts reusable dishware and compost bins. Change can happen, and has happened, on this campus.
A new year brings new opportunities for improvement. Just as a D+ on the sustainability report card spurred the administration to action, attaining the number-one spot on the Princeton Review's list of beer drinkers will, in all likelihood, have a similar effect. Whether or not we agree with the method of the survey, from a parental perspective, the best beer consumption in the country is not something for which you shell out $31,400. Our administration is well aware of that, and it is a stigma it will likely work hard to change.
We as students have two options. We can continue to do what we do best and see how the administration works to stop it, or we can put our time and energy into more productive activities. If neither option works we can always compromise. If we're going to drink the most beer in the country, we might as well recycle the most cans.
-opinion@thedepauw.com
Be the first to comment on this story