The Monday Letter

from President "Buck" Smith

Good Monday Morning:

Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning pretty much summed it up: “The Saints deserved to win." And by bringing the Colts’ perfect season to an imperfect end, the once nearly-drowned New Orleans is, for the moment, back on top.

Here on campus, after two Saturday’s of snow-bound postponed home games, the Women Senators open play at 5:00 today in The McDonnell Center against West Liberty State University, followed by the men at 7:00. Both the women and men are up against a formidable foe, so we need to be in the stands. See you there.

We’re only two weeks into the Spring semester. But the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, headed by Professor Joe Roidt, has already launched still further efforts to engage the entire academic community in helping all students achieve academic success. Just a further example of how our Mission – “to prepare and inspire students for success…” – comes to life.

Special thanks to all who responded to my email last Thursday re: Tree Trimming on campus. Very helpful to have your suggestions of additional trees and areas needing attention.

The student nurses group, DESNA, is introducing Munchie Mondays today at noon in the newly refurbished Science Center Commuter Lounge. Then Toasty Tuesdays continue on the Library Bridge every Tuesday at 1:30. The Valentine’s Dinner is scheduled for Thursday evening in Benedum Dining Room, with faculty and staff serving the students.

While in Booth Library, take time to enjoy Professor Michael Doig’s display of student artwork from the Fall and January terms. The drawings and photographs will be up until the 1st of March.

Applications for Resident Assistant positions for next year are currently being accepted through Feb. 17. Check your D&E email for an application and return to Mandi Larkin if you are interested.

Little did we know when we introduced it two weeks ago that the new ‘e2Campus’ Emergency Notification System would be put to the test so soon. But Friday’s alert about the weekend storm and driving conditions was evidently effective. As of yesterday, most cars on campus had still not been moved. Thanks to all who decided staying put or walking are not bad options! If you’ve not yet ‘opted-in’ to the ‘e2Campus’ system, please go to the D&E Homepage to sign up.

Congratulations to sophomore Logan Bowling and freshman Fred Roby who journeyed to Charleston on Friday and Saturday to meet with and make presentations to the Board of Directors of the West Virginia Independent Colleges and Universities and other State leaders. As recipients of scholarships funded through WVICU, they conveyed not only appreciation, but a sensitive sense of the nature and quality of their “D&E Experience.”

This Thursday is Tourism Day at the capitol when high school students from around the state travel to Charleston to see exhibits from various resorts, restaurants, convention and visitors bureaus, and colleges offering hospitality programs. Conference Coordinator Melody Wileman and Graceland Executive Chef Tim White will join Dean Victor Thacker in representing D&E  Vic is a long-time Board member of the WV Hospitality & Travel Association that will host a reception for legislators and other key State leaders featuring menu items from The Greenbrier, Stonewall Resort, Oglebay Park, and our own Graceland Inn.

A closing lesson from the Super Bowl: It was evidently Saints Coach Sean Payton's philosophy that it was better to risk looking foolish than be timid. Down seven at the end of the second quarter, he chose to go for a touchdown on 4th and goal rather than kick an easy field goal. It didn’t work. The coach's response: an onside kick to start the second half, the first in Super Bowl history before the fourth quarter. It worked.

What’s the message here? It’s often worth taking risks that could make us look totally ridiculous. Whether taking a course in a totally unfamiliar field. Or reaching out to help someone we barely know. These and other choices we all face every day. But as with Mr. Frost’s road “less traveled by, " taking such risks can make "all the difference.”

Create a wonderful week.

G. T. "Buck" Smith

Cell: 304-830-3900                                            

buck@DavisAndElkins.edu

"If we see people as they are, they

will stay as they are. But if we see

them for what they might be, and

might become, they will become

those better selves." (Adapted: Goethe)

posted 2/8/10 by Carol Schuler.