It is quite possible that the "brightest & best" on this campus can be found in Roseman Hall. I visited the Children’s Center there yesterday and had a lively visit with some of our "future freshmen." The children and I read together (under the watchful eye of some UW-W education students who work there) and talked about world affairs. As we studied the globe, the most frequent question was: "Where does Santa live?"
About 80 alumni and current employees celebrated the 33rd National W Club Outing last week. Joe and I were on hand to meet and greet them. Participants regaled us with stories about times gone by…many of which will end up in my future speeches.
To give you an idea just how safe my hotel is they (Israeli police) have recently moved some Israeli supreme court judges and visiting dignitaries in my hotel for safety. I believe this is a good thing since it (my hotel) is crawling with security. Also they have evacuated Haifa University students to my university. Jerusalem is busier than it has been in years, since most of the people have temporarily left the north have come to Jerusalem for its safety.
About the only thing I am not safe from is price gouging. The price of almost everything has gone up two fold, while the shekel has stayed about the same exchange rate.
I have no plans to stay any more or less time than my program. Besides even if I wanted to leave early, I couldn’t afford it. Prices have sky rocketed due to the increase in people leaving, pilots being called to active duty and reduced schedules.
I am learning a lot and DO NOT want to leave. As a combat veteran I feel I am well qualified to judge the safety of a situation and I do not deem this unsafe. If I feel it does become unsafe I will leave period .. I ask you to have faith in me to come back happy and healthy and more educated."
D.
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The speed with which our construction projects are developing is good news. The bad news, however, is that the related sidewalk closures are confusing lots of people on campus…including me. A new spotlight is being prepared for the homepage that will provide a printable map with hints for getting around the construction, and signage is being erected to direct people around the blocked areas. Please be aware of our campus visitors and help them get where they need to go. I think all of us need to be good campus ambassadors during these exciting (but a little trying) times.
There has been quite a bit of discussion lately, via the media, over what should or should not be taught in university courses. I imagine we will have some lively debates in the coming months over the role of "controversial opinions" in the college classroom. I have two thoughts to share with you.
First, the selection of curriculum is not whimsical at any university…certainly not at UW-Whitewater. Before a course can be added to the program, a syllabus must be approved by the university curriculum committee. Although a professor may wish to embellish the content of the course, the fundamental concepts and learning expectations are always present and paramount in the teaching of the course. Our programs are subjected to regular and rigorous review, either in the form of internal program reviews or external examinations by accrediting bodies. Also, every faculty member at UW-Whitewaater is evaluated every year for teaching effectiveness. Consequently, the course is under continuous peer review. That offers a great deal of security to the student who comes expecting us to be at the top of our academic game.
Second, at the end of the day I have faith in the ability of university students to sort out the truth from bunk. They’re smart people and they know how to examine propositions critically — even when they come from their teachers.
Joe and I are presently resting up from a full day of July 4 festivities, digesting delicious gyros prepared by the Whitewater/Community Optimist Club and planning to head back to Cravath Park for the fireworks later this evening. This morning’s parade was suitably spirited. (I left with an ample supply of candy tossed from cars and floats so I was happy.) The activities at the park were fun and I have made a promise to myself to learn to polka before next year’s event. I love living in a town where so many people turn out to celebrate freedom. God bless America!
