President's Message
We are at the end of an era at Webb – Jacques Hadler and Roger Compton have retired after making an incredibly signifi cant and positive impact on the quality of our academic program and the culture of this great institution. Their contributions are now a matter of record and the impact of their legacies will be substantial for many, many years.
These wonderful leaders and teachers are irreplaceable, of course, but that’s natural. Our new colleagues, Dean Rick Neilson and Assistant Professor of Naval Architecture Adrian Onas, are very different – each unique in his own right and very highly qualifi ed. I know they are both excited to join the team and we are all looking forward to knowing and working with them. They will both bring their own ideas, passions, skills, and experiences to our family, and take us to new places and successes. We are ready to cast off the lines and get underway on the next phase of Webb’s journey into the future. Please join me in welcoming them at your fi rst opportunity.
Otherwise, things have been fun and interesting since the last issue of Webb News. Our first group of three exchange students from Southampton University arrived and were a wonderful addition; we had a very special speaker for Senior Seminar, Gerry Lenfest, and another one for our second Zeien Lecture of the year with Dr. James Simons; our retirement celebration for Roger Compton and Jacques Hadler was a major success as were Homecoming and Graduation. Whew, it just flew by…
You will note in reading about our event to salute Jacques and Roger that we established two endowments in their honor. They are both important from a practical as well as a commemorative perspective, particularly the one for Roger. When I began thinking in earnest about him and Jill leaving this summer and got beyond the obvious problem of the Deanship and the teaching, the problem of not having anyone to carry on with the choral program became very troublesome because it has become such a wonderful and integral part of our culture and student life. If you had experienced the show that the WooFS put on during Homecoming, you would understand how important it has become.
It was inspiring to see the 20 alumni who had participated during their time as students and came back to rejoin the WooFS for Roger and Jill’s final show – nothing short of phenomenal to see the 45-person chorus on stage!
By the end of the Homecoming weekend we had raised $105,000 for both endowments and that was wonderful. Thanks to all who participated! For those who have not yet done so, you are welcome to join this special effort by making a donation.
Have a great summer, come visit, and thanks so much for your continuing and loyal support.
