Well, we did it.

Our alma mater concluded an exceptionally ambitious 200-million dollar campaign drive. When I first arrived on campus in the summer of 1983, I had little understanding of how a college operated. I did not know about the affection many Haverfordians have towards their college, nor could I have fathomed how generous these alumni were with their time, energy, and money. Over time, I learned more, and realized how much I did not know. I found myself pursuing a career in higher education, and in the process, became a believer in the merits of small, liberal arts colleges.

Throughout those college years, I kept in contact with high school friends, but soon found myself creating new friends at Haverford. Haverford soon became the institution with which I identified. I never liked high school, and so it was easy for me to enjoy Haverford its stunning scenery, its values and ideals, and its rigor. I recall studying, but also enjoying my college years immensely, much more than my high school friends appeared to be enjoying their college years.

Those fond memories are beginning to fade, much like my slowly receding hairline. I still love Haverford and its ideals, but I cannot recall with such vivid detail the books read, the movies seen, or the practical jokes played. Instead what endures, even upon return to campus, is a warm feeling. When I drive on College Lane, there is a pleasant pause that reminds me how grateful I am to be a Haverford graduate. I may pass a young man or woman jogging by the duck pond, and think of his or her future. I see College neighbors feeding the ducks, and I ponder if “town-gown” relations are as pleasant in other college communities. Upon approaching Founders Green, there is a similar sense of serenity, of peace, that pervades the landscape. Students laugh, throw a Frisbee, walk to the library or the laboratory, and even if just for a moment, things appear calm and good.

We know the world around us is tumultuous. We know that social change is needed, and that our Haverford values transcend political ideology. Liberals, conservatives alike seek peace, and yearn to reduce crime and poverty. Last June I had the distinct opportunity to serve on a grand jury. I heard about felonious acts that cannot bear repeating. I have learned about abuses committed to elders and minors, in the name of greed, anger, and addiction. I enjoyed my ignorant, serene bliss, yet I now painfully know that my neighborhood is full of dangerous criminals. The world is a volatile place indeed, and I want to return to the naive serenity of the months preceding the trial.

For those who have not (yet!) served on a grand jury, much of the day’s activities are tedious and predictable. During those times, and even during the times we are deliberating, my mind wanders to Haverford. First and foremost, I am grateful for the education I have received there, and how part of that education entailed how to conduct oneself with integrity, civility, and honor. The Haverford education is much more than the memorization of facts, or even the ability to think, read, or write critically. It is much more; a Haverfordian is trained, perhaps subconsciously, to treat others with dignity. While scholars (Stanley Fish comes to mind) debate if colleges should be in the business of teaching morality, my time on the grand jury suggests that a moral education is part of the Haverford experience, even if no such class or seminar formally exists on the topic.

Second, these stressful times make me think of the serenity that surrounds Haverford’s campus. The trees glisten, the faculty walk home, perhaps engaged by a student’s inquiry. Athletes leave the gym, engaged in conversation, perhaps about a goal scored, or about a chemistry assignment. A young man or woman jogs, or laughs. Another finishes a meal, and leaves to study. Haverford is peaceful, and I miss it dearly.

Respectfully,

Robert M. Eisinger ’87

Alumni Association Executive Committee

Haverford Online Community: Coming Soon!
Watch your mail this fall for an announcement about the new online community at www.haverford.edu. This exciting new tool will allow Fords to netork and contact other Fords, register for events, access an online alumni directory, and much more. Registration instructions will be included.

Regional Societies
Great things are happening in your area!

“Welcome Freshmen” parties, informal alumni gatherings, visits from faculty, staff, and President Tritton, campaign celebrations, and much more! For complete information about these or any upcoming alumni events, visit the online Regional Events Calendar, accessible from: www.haverford.edu. Click on “Alumni,” then “Regional Events.” This calendar is updated frequently, so be sure to check back often.

Also, the Haverford Alumni Office recently has been visiting several key cities around the country in an ongoing effort to recruit Regional Leaders to host future alumni events. Do you have an idea for a successful regional event? Are you interested in learning how to become a Regional Leader? Contact the Alumni Office at 610-896-1004 for details.

LAMBDA List-serve
LAMBDA, the Alumni Association’s network of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and interested alumni, has been maintaining an e-mail list-serve. To subscribe, send the following message to listproc@haverford.edu: subscribe lambda-alumni, your name, and class year. For more information about this and other LAMBDA activities, please contact the Alumni Office or Theo Posselt ’94 at: tposselt@dc.com.

Alumni Admission Volunteers Needed
Alumni volunteers are needed in the following states to assist in interviewing propective students and attending college fairs. Send an email to alumni@haverford.edu or call (610) 896-2292.

Additional Volunteers Needed:
California (Los Angeles, San Fracisco), Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, ITNERNATIONAL, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts Michigan, Missouri (Kc and StL), New Hampshire, New York (Rochester, Staten Island, Long Island, Bronx, Queens, Queensbury, Pine Bush), North Carolina (Charlotte), Ohio, Oregon (Portland), Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg, Doylestown, Allentown, Royersford, Bensalem), Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin

No Current Volunteers:
Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming