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Colgate, Alma Mater

As alumni we're working on gathering as many of us under the tent as we can.

It's amazing that I fall more in love with Colgate over the years. There are a few institutions I love: The Center in NYC, Colgate and Rowe. And what they have in common, is a sense of community. At Colgate, we believe that education saves the world. It is the enlightened mind that can form morals, and find ways to live abundantly within values. It is the university which can bring diverse thoughts together, catalyze them and form incredible variety in harmony.

We have a new president's inauguration today: pomp and circumstance and regalia. Underneath it, are a million wings of souls yearning for lives well lived. Those who've been here, those who've yet to come, and all our families and friends who are touched by Colgate. Our alumni are over 35,000 strong from many countries, traditions, beliefs, and there's great variety in our socio-economic status. Our student body has more international students than ever. We've had symposia, dinners and lunches to contemplate the direction of our school and how we can give back to this amazing place. We talked about belonging and examined what damage happens when people feel disenfranchised in community.

It seems, as has always in my connection with Colgate, that we asked hard questions, that at times left me sad, angry, depressed and then energized, focused and ready to act. The beauty here soothes the wounds and helps me move towards the healing. Life has challenges and it is good to be surrounded by people who desire to use our formidable intellect for good. In action.

The Alumni Council is one of my favorite things. Whether chatting with students, faculty, administration, or workers in town, this place is unique and very special to me. And with all the thorns of roses, I breathe in joy.

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