Voice!

First, a thank you – we’ve had a steady flow of fantastic questions coming in lately, and we’re keeping busy formulating responses! Today, I’ve decided to start with a pretty hot topic: our new President!

From the moment it was announced that Michael S. Roth ’78 would be taking the reins on July 1st, everyone has been abuzz with excitement. Of course there was a lot of debate that went into the selection of our new leader – a Presidential Search Committee was formed from a wide range of people, including students, faculty, trustees and parents. The students on the committee were simply amazing about ensuring that each and every student had a voice in the process.

Since his appointment, the Wesleyan community has been simply thrilled. The only negative feedback I’ve heard concerns, not Roth himself, but Wesleyan’s history – Wesleyan is yet to have a woman and/or a minority as President. Yet, that disappointment has quickly dissipated as we have had the opportunity to learn more and more about Michael Roth – and he certainly seems to have satisfied every other qualification we could have hoped for. There’s a lot riding on President Roth’s ability to lead, and everyone is watching in anticipation as he starts his term as our 16th President. The Wesleyan Student Assembly (or WSA , our student governing body), has a great page about President Roth, with tons of information on the student body’s reaction. The Argus had an opinion piece out that captures the mood as well, not to mention their interview with Michael Roth.

Personally, I’ve met President Roth a few times now, and have nothing but good things to say. He is personable and friendly, and is clearly going to be very involved with the student body. Both President Roth and his wife, Professor Kari Weil, plan to teach courses at Wesleyan while here, an intention that has been met with overwhelming support from the student body and faculty alike. In fact, Professor Weil will be teaching in my major, the College of Letters! On a more personal note, while an undergrad, President Roth joined Alpha Delta Phi, a Co-Educational Literary Society that I am also a member of. At Alpha Delt, President Roth was involved with a number of things, but most notably served as… you’ll never guess…President! Here’s a dashing photo of him from back in the day:

Speaking of fantastic pictures, you should check out the article in Wesleyan Magazine on the new President and his family called “Passion for Ideas” with some spectacular photos, as well as a great article on Alpha Delt called “The Spirit of True Fraternity” (granted, I’m biased on that one). Additionally, there are quite a few photos from when President Roth came to visit campus back in April, as well as a video of the speech he gave – check it out here .

It really is a thrilling time to be at Wesleyan, what with the new University Center, a new dining service provider, and now new leadership – expect loads of updates on all three as we enjoy our last year at Wes, and Michael Roth navigates his first year as President!

Jacqueline Chapman ‘08
Senior Interviewer