Week One in the Books

The school year should never just "begin" with a bell.  When an institution like ours is commencing its 153rd year of existence, there should be celebration or at least something formal with which to begin.  This year we repeated our "Opening Academic Convocation" with an introduction of students, faculty, staff and Regents.  We were blessed with the presence and words of our Chancellor, Abbot John Klassen and the Chair of our Board of Regents, Linda Marrin.  One of the student leaders, Matthew Fitzgerald, gave a brilliant address with words of wisdom that defy his youthfulness.  I too had a chance to share something that has been on my mind since last year:  a steady stream of sentiment that suggests a school should not change lest it cease to be the place it was or "as I remember it."  In an interactive experiment, I asked all present to imagine that the year is 1959 - 50 years ago.  We have decided as a school that it is perfect the way it is....and we make a solemn oath to NEVER CHANGE IT...not a thing!  Then I asked everyone to stand and as I described the folks that decision would have eliminated from our halls, I asked them to sit and close their eyes.  Then, when it was all over, they could open their eyes and behold who was left.  I began with the middle schoolers so all 72 of them sat down with their teachers.  Then I asked all the girls to sit down because we wouldn't have allowed them to enroll.  Next came the day hops because 50 years ago, all were residential except for a very small number.  Then, of those dormers who were standing, those who were not interested in priesthood or monastery could also be considered eliminated.  Then came lay faculty because most of them were monks....and finally regents because we didn't have a board in those days.  We let Mr. Froehle stay because he was here 50 years ago but besides him, all that were left standing was the Abbot, Fr. Ian and myself.  When the students opened their eyes, the point was clear - if you don't change, you cease to exist.  This is not to say that change is easy or without great pain.  Some of the alums barely recongize the school they once attended but if their education taught them anything it is that growth and change are necessities of life whether we like it or not.  BUT AT THE SAME TIME, the values of the school have not changed one small bit.  Community may not mean the same to the 21st century student as it did to the '59ers but it is still a value nonetheless.  Quality education, international opportunities, great co-curriculars....all these are still very much a part of our school and in some ways, have grown stronger.  Finally, we are still a school very much rooted in its Catholic/Benedictine heritage.  We believe that spiritual growth is deeply connected to intellectual and physical growth as well.  No amount of changes to physical plant or personnel will ever change that.