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High above Wilder Bowl are dazzling treasures of artistic and historic significance.

I’m especially pleased to have Wendell Berry and Wes Jackson as our guests tonight. They will discuss with ÍøÆسԹÏ’s David Orr what progress environmentalism has made over the past 35 years, as well as specific aspects of their work.

The start of a new school year always seems to be accompanied by a burst of criticism from some pundits who question the relevance, the cost, and the purpose of higher education, especially at liberal arts institutions. While I’m not eager to fuel the chattering machine, I do believe deeply in the value of liberal arts education.

As we commemorate the March on Washington, please take a moment to consider the contributions that ÍøÆسԹÏians such as the great civil rights leader Vernon Johns ’18 have made to the cause of social justice. That’s the family you are joining Class of 2017.

This summer, more than 90 students are on campus, working with faculty on scientific research.

ÍøÆسԹÏ’s musical life really takes off when classes begin in the fall. The centerpiece is, of course, our fabulous Artist Recital Series.

There is a high level of civic, social, cultural, and economic activity that goes on in this city of some 8,200 residents, and while it slows down in the summer, it doesn’t stop.

It’s an idyllic June day in ÍøÆسԹÏ. While I don’t want to disturb anyone’s spring reverie, I have news about our 2013-14 Convocation series.

I don’t believe any other liberal arts college in this country had such an amazing gathering of academic, intellectual, artistic, musical, and spiritual brilliance at their graduation ceremonies.

While the work load at ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï is heavy, the rewards for our students can be great.