First Collection 2009: Rebecca Chopp
In welcoming the Class of 2013, President Rebecca Chopp invoked the College's founders, who "believed that every one should tend his/her own conscience, to 'mind the light' within oneself.
"Tonight," she added, "we induct you into the Swarthmorean tradition of minding the light: critical thinking, questioning your own judgment and that of others, being skeptical but not cynical, taking risks in your exploration of the arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences, and participating vigorously in this intensely scholarly community."
Joining President Chopp at the event were Reid Wilkening '10, sociology professor Sarah Willie-LeBreton, and Acting Dean Garikai Campbell '90.
September 1st, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Listening to President Chopp's welcoming address to the Class of 2013 has evoked pleasant memories about my own initiation into boarding school some forty seven odd years ago. The speech also brings me joy, knowing that my son chose an unique institution like Swarthmore for his undergraduate education. May the Almighty shine His Eternal light of knowledge on the Swarthmore community, Bless them and guide them to live to the dictates of the Founders and the Quaker traditions. GO SWARTHMORE and may knowledge grow from more to more and human life be so enriched.
September 2nd, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the campus to drop off my daughter Clara, a transfer student to the junior class. From the moment we were greeted in the parking lot by Willetts, I was overwhelmed by the courtesy, humor, engagement and helpfulness of everyone we met, including President Chopp, who was riding around in a golf cart! The experience brought a flood of memories, and made me want to stick around and be a Swarthmore student forever. The atmosphere of shared purpose, academic rigor and mutual support was infectious, and made me feel like I never left, although I did, 38 years ago! Anyhow, I'll be brief…SWARTHMORE RULES!