As I was leaving the Rike Center following the inauguration, one of our 1951 graduates, a member of a five-generation Otterbein family, stopped me and said, “This is my proudest day as an Otterbein graduate.” That said it all for me. Though I don’t have five generations of Otterbein experiences behind me, I left the ceremony full of pride for our students, our faculty, our staff, and our alumni. When I arrived back at the Clements Center for the luncheon after the inauguration, Chancellor Eric Fingerhut pulled me aside and commented that he attends many similar events at campuses all over the state. “But,” he said, “in all of those events I have never felt the kind of energy and passion I felt today at Otterbein. The students, the alumni, the faculty, everyone there — you can just tell how much they love Otterbein.” One delegate who represented her institution at the event sent a letter saying that they intended to return next year to Otterbein’s Homecoming because they had such a wonderful time.

It’s important to note that we have not had such an event in 25 years, so perhaps everyone was overdue for a celebration of the special character of Otterbein College – its past, its present, and its future. But I have now completed my tour of the academic departments and support offices and attended many student events. I am growing more confident each day in my assessment of Otterbein as a place where opportunities abound. In talking with some students earlier this week, I learned just how much they value their relationships with individual faculty here. They know their instructors and they know what a benefit it is to have such complete access to them. They work directly with faculty on projects, in the labs, and on community service partnerships. As one student said, “They treat us more like colleagues than at other institutions where my friends go to school. They respect us.” It was also interesting to hear how many students noted what a perfect location Westerville is with uptown shops, restaurants, and coffee shops (and fresh doughnuts) within walking distance, easy access to shopping and events throughout the region, and a beautiful campus to come home to.

We are, indeed, poised to shine the light that appears on the seal of Otterbein College out into the world. Thanks to everyone who helped with the inauguration. Thanks to all who participated in Homecoming. Thanks to all who visit the web site to stay current with what’s happening at Otterbein College. We’ll work to keep the good news coming.

When our children were growing up, we had a family tradition of taking a picture just before they left for school the first day of every year. In the process of moving, I re-discovered these snapshots—13 for each child, kindergarten through high school. Reviewing the images with the photos lined up in sequence, I noted many details that might go unnoticed when examining each in isolation. Changes in hair styles, missing teeth, growth spurts—all jump out at the viewer when confronted with an individual’s chronology. However, the constants in the pictures are also striking. The look of anticipation, eagerness, and excitement, touched with a hint of nervousness, is present in each shot.  Even teenage cynicism can’t disguise the emotion and significance of the moment.

The past few days I have felt that same air of anticipation and eagerness and nerves on campus. Each day a few more students appear with boxes, suitcases, and pillows in tow. Mothers and fathers lag behind trying to prolong the last few moments of unloading, to linger in the dormitory entrance, anything to delay the final farewell, the return to the car and the drive away from campus leaving a piece of their hearts here in Westerville.

There are many traditions at Otterbein College, and this year we’re adding a new one. We’ll capture that first day for our entering freshmen. We will be passing out Otterbein tee-shirts at “the rock” and then posing for a class picture. We’ll post the picture on the web site for all to see. In a few years at Commencement we’ll take another class picture. The looks of anticipation then will take on an entirely new meaning as our students depart to make their way in the world. The changes that occur during the intervening years may not be so visible to the camera, but based on what our alumni tell us, they are forever changed by Otterbein.

I’ll be in the class photo too. As a newbie on campus, I’m sort of a freshman as well, and I am having my own first-day experience. I, too, am filled with anticipation, hope, excitement and a little nervousness. I, too, will be changed forever by my Otterbein experience.

Freshman Class of 2013 First Day Portrait
September 10, 2009. Click photo for larger image.