Casey fields parents' questions on DePauw's present, future in Family Weekend speech
By: Meredith McGrady
Issue date: 9/30/08 Section: News
Soon after beginning his speech to DePauw parents Saturday morning, President Brian Casey admitted that he loved his job. "Sometimes it's good to be President," he said.
Although Casey said he has only held the job of University President for 2 months and 27 days, he was able to spend an hour with the parents telling anecdotes and answering questions.
Casey began his speech by talking about how much he enjoyed working at DePauw-and how it was "wise and insightful" for the parents in the room to send their children to DePauw. Casey expressed concern, however, over the emphasis that DePauw students place on credentials and checking off experiences. Casey mentioned his own experience in the liberal arts and taking classes that seemingly didn't apply to a future career.
He said students should venture outside their comfort zones and "take one course that drives their parent crazy."
After a planned speech about DePauw's current condition, Casey opened up the floor to parents to ask questions about DePauw's future.
When asked what was one thing about his job that he didn't like, Casey responded quickly saying, "I worry about the students. I'm the mayor of 2,300 18- to 22-year-olds."
The questions from the parents ranged in topic from Casey's recent signing of the Presidents Climate Commitment to the pending Amethyst Initiative. Casey explained why he was hesitant to sign it, even though the faculty committee on student life had recommended that he sign it.
Casey said that if he were to sign the initiative, he was concerned students would see it as an endorsement for underage drinking.
"I don't want to sign it unless a conversation takes place," Casey said.
Casey gave an example of the type of conversation that he'd like to see take place with Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students Cindy Babington: "Dear students, drinking is still illegal, but here's how to do it safely," he said.
The conversation with the parents covered topics including the recent renovations to The Elms, whether Casey would sleep in the dorms with students, the greek system, the new selection of a spiritual life director and the economy. The last question posed to Casey was about what students do after they graduate. Casey gave the question to Neal Abraham, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty, who answered, "Very few go home."
Some parents were impressed with Casey's presentation.
"He's a terrific speaker and a dynamic president," Callahan said. "I look forward to the initiatives he'll put in place over the coming years."
Callahan's daughter, freshman Katie Stricker, said she was happy to have her family at DePauw and at the speech and echoed Callahn's praises.
"I think he's a good president," Stricker said.
Although Casey said he has only held the job of University President for 2 months and 27 days, he was able to spend an hour with the parents telling anecdotes and answering questions.
Casey began his speech by talking about how much he enjoyed working at DePauw-and how it was "wise and insightful" for the parents in the room to send their children to DePauw. Casey expressed concern, however, over the emphasis that DePauw students place on credentials and checking off experiences. Casey mentioned his own experience in the liberal arts and taking classes that seemingly didn't apply to a future career.
He said students should venture outside their comfort zones and "take one course that drives their parent crazy."
After a planned speech about DePauw's current condition, Casey opened up the floor to parents to ask questions about DePauw's future.
When asked what was one thing about his job that he didn't like, Casey responded quickly saying, "I worry about the students. I'm the mayor of 2,300 18- to 22-year-olds."
The questions from the parents ranged in topic from Casey's recent signing of the Presidents Climate Commitment to the pending Amethyst Initiative. Casey explained why he was hesitant to sign it, even though the faculty committee on student life had recommended that he sign it.
Casey said that if he were to sign the initiative, he was concerned students would see it as an endorsement for underage drinking.
"I don't want to sign it unless a conversation takes place," Casey said.
Casey gave an example of the type of conversation that he'd like to see take place with Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students Cindy Babington: "Dear students, drinking is still illegal, but here's how to do it safely," he said.
The conversation with the parents covered topics including the recent renovations to The Elms, whether Casey would sleep in the dorms with students, the greek system, the new selection of a spiritual life director and the economy. The last question posed to Casey was about what students do after they graduate. Casey gave the question to Neal Abraham, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty, who answered, "Very few go home."
Some parents were impressed with Casey's presentation.
"He's a terrific speaker and a dynamic president," Callahan said. "I look forward to the initiatives he'll put in place over the coming years."
Callahan's daughter, freshman Katie Stricker, said she was happy to have her family at DePauw and at the speech and echoed Callahn's praises.
"I think he's a good president," Stricker said.
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