The Joy of Learning
Posted on Dec. 1, 1990Ed·u·ca·tion: 1) a debt due from the present to future generations; 2) the knowledge acquired at school that enables a person to misquote Shakespeare; 3) that which discloses to the wise and disguises from the foolish their lack of understanding; 4) what’s left over after you have gotten the facts.
As becomes more apparent each day, our education and intellectual curiosity do not stop with the awarding of one or more college diplomas. The pace of change is so fast that much of what we are taught is obsolete within a very short time. I am told that in the health sciences, the half life of information is generally no more than five years. Just think about all the history textbooks that are being rewritten as a result of the changes in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union within the last year.
With this in mind, the Association has for some time been expanding the resources and opportunities for our former students to continue their intellectual relationship with the University. For over 10 years the Program in the Humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences and the General Alumni Association have hosted weekend seminars as well as “vacation colleges.” In addition, our Carolina Clubs are sponsoring a growing number of programs presented by some of Carolina’s most outstanding professors.
It was with great pleasure and anticipation that I announced earlier this fall the appointment of Ted Hill ’74 as our Director of Enrichment. A 1974 honors graduate of Carolina with masters degrees from Middlebury and Harvard, Ted brings strong academic credentials to this important post. In a short time Ted has done a remarkable job in networking across our campus and has identified a wide range of programming opportunities that can be implemented in conjunction with our reunions, tours, club meetings and, most importantly, in the new George Watts Hill Alumni Center.
I share these thoughts with you because it is our hope that you will participate in the development of this program. As we identify your interests with surveys, focus groups, and through other means, we can then tailor our programming to address them. Early suggestions have ranged from helping alumni better understand the dynamics of what is going on in the Middle East to what advice today’s research offers parents facing the challenges of raising adolescents. We hope that you will join in shaping the ambitious future agenda that Ted Hill is directing. I encourage you to call or write him whenever you have ideas to share at (919) 962-1208 or P. O. Box 660, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514-0660.
Clearly, all that the Association does-from clubs to reunions, publications to tours, weekend seminars to homecoming, from alumni admissions to career placement — is intended to provide the means not only to serve our members, but, more importantly, to inform and involve all Carolina alumni. We can better do this with your full participation. We would particularly be interested in receiving your suggestions on formats (day of week, time of day, length), speakers (professors, alumni, students, others), and topics. The diversity of interests and talents among our alumni requires that we diversify our programming to meet your educational needs.
We are particularly excited that, within the next year, we can plan for the grand opening of the George Watts Hill Alumni Center. This first true Chapel Hill home for Carolina alumni and friends will provide an environment in which to bring the entire University community together. The Alumni Center is much more than a building. It represents a longtime dream shared by many. Finally, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Carolina can come together as one to share in a wide range of activities and programs.
We believe Carolina alumni should be real partners in fulfilling Carolina’s mission of education. The joy of learning which many of us first experienced as students in Chapel Hill becomes more important each day. The GAA plans to present a balance of academic, athletic and social programs. We hope you’ll become involved in interactive programs where you can engage in discussions and ask questions — not possible when reading books, magazines and newspapers or watching television. Our faculty consistently volunteer how challenging and perceptive they find our alumni audiences.
As we prepare for the holiday season, we look forward with great anticipation to the opening of the George Watts Hill Alumni Center and encourage your comments and suggestions for the expanding enrichment opportunities it represents. Happy Holidays!
Yours at Carolina,
Douglas S. Dibbert ’70
