Upper Iowa University News

DR. ALAN G. WALKER'S INAUGURATION SPEECH

Upper Iowa University

October 8, 2004

(as prepared for delivery)

Members of the Board of Trustees , faculty, staff, family, friends, students, alumni and special guests, I would like to begin by asking you to please join with me for a moment of silence, in honor of those past and present who have served and sacrificed for our country. Thank you.

Next I would like to thank Cindy Carpenter and all those on the Inauguration Committee who have worked so hard to make this such a memorable event. Please join me in expressing appreciation for their efforts.

In 1854, a pioneer mother living near Fayette wanted to send her two daughters to college. The nearest school at that time was located in Mt. Vernon , called Cornell College . After having considered the distance and expense involved, she asked, “Why couldn’t there be a college right here?” Why not, indeed, and in 1857 that question… that dream… became a reality.

I think it is interesting to note what has changed and what has not since the earliest days of this institution, so let me read the following passages from the Palimpsest, which was published by the State Historical Society of Iowa in 1965. I quote from the first catalogue that contained this description of the campus: “The location is healthy and beautiful. The population of Fayette is between 600 and 700 and free from those demoralizing influences frequently prevalent in colleges. Furthermore, there are no saloons or dance halls.”

Mary Kimball, our Senior Vice President for Business Services, may find this next passage of particular interest. “Tuition was $27 dollars per year. Incidental expenses were $1.50. Room rent for a furnished room was $12 per year. Board was $1.50 to $2.00 per week.” The catalogue advised parents and guardians that “young men in college have little need of pocket money. It is better that their funds be placed in the hands of one of the professors whose discretion may regulate their expenditure.” Some things change and some do not.

My family and I came to Upper Iowa University and the community of Fayette a few short months ago, having traveled a long and winding road that took us many places; and it is only fitting that we should end up in Iowa where my ancestors came as early settlers in the 1850s. I have had the fortunate opportunity to be exposed to and live among those of different cultures and backgrounds and to explore a variety of interests, both professionally and personally, during my life. It has not always been easy, but it has been a great experience from which I hope to draw upon as president, in order that I may make a contribution worthy of those of who have dedicated their lives and careers to this great institution… and to those many alumni to which this Institution means so much.

I am grateful beyond words to those whom I have met along the way, to my friends and colleagues who have joined us today -- Kay Goss from Washington D.C., Doug and Mary Sue Forsman from Colorado, Bruce and Nancy Piringer from Missouri, and Dr. Elson Floyd, a great leader who has mentored many who have gone on to become presidents and provosts… and finally my dear colleagues from Western Michigan University – Jim and Richard Schaper, Pete Strazdas, Lowell Rinker and Leonard Seawood – the Kitchen Cabinet. I am grateful that you, too, are here today, even if your motivation to attend was driven out of utter disbelief.

I also want to thank my peers, those delegates representing other institutions of higher education, who honor me with their presence. To the members of the community, the faculty, staff, students, alumni and members of the Board of Trustees, who have welcomed my family and me into the UIU family as one of their own, and to our many academic partners around the world with whom we have collaborated in bringing quality education grounded in a strong liberal arts tradition to thousands of people from all walks of life. Let me also express my gratitude to the many elected officials who are also in attendance, especially Roger Thomas and Kitty Rehberg.

Finally, there is a very special person I would like all of you to meet, who has known me longer than anyone here except for my family. If you start at the beginning of the journey that has brought me to Upper Iowa , you will find this person -- Mr. Ralph McAllister, retired Fire Chief of the Moscow Idaho Volunteer Fire Department. Joining the Moscow Fire Department in 1979 was a watershed event in my life, and I would not be here today were it not for Chief Ralph McAllister.

While Chief of the Moscow Fire Department, Ralph McAllister oversaw a special program that took in 20 students from the University of Idaho and provided them with housing in the fire department in exchange for their service as fire fighters and ambulance crews for the city of Moscow and the surrounding rural area. This unique program has provided so many young men and women experiences they have taken with them and used no matter what occupation they have gone into. Chief McAllister had the wisdom to know he wasn’t just providing fire protection to the community, he was also building character. Thank you, Chief.

I am especially grateful and fortunate to be able to do something every new university president wishes they could do at their inauguration were it not for life’s circumstances. Today, I am very pleased to introduce you to my family. First, I’d like to present my in-laws, Ray and Glenn Wallin. Mrs. Wallin was the swing vote, in favor, on the day I asked Debbie’s father for her hand in marriage. They have joined us today from their home in Washington State .

One of the more difficult aspects in my life for many years had to do with academics. Unlike my sister, who is also here today and who got good grades in high school, I struggled. It got worse when I went to college. Let’s just say, I was academically challenged for many years as an undergraduate. In hindsight, I am now certain I would have done much better at a school like Upper Iowa , with its personalized environment and two-course-per-term, eight-week format. I am sure I was a disappointment to my parents during those difficult years. Nevertheless, they remained patient and supportive. Someday, I hope to make it up to them. Please welcome my father and mother, Milt and Ilse, and my sister Karen, who have joined us today from their home in Idaho .

Now for a very special person, I’d like to introduce my wife, Debbie. Debbie and I consider ourselves to be newlyweds. Even though we will be celebrating our 20^th wedding anniversary next June, I have only been home six months of that. I hope you will appreciate the fact that Debbie surely had no idea what she signed up to when she agreed to marry me. She thought she was getting a firefighter, and I ended up pulling a bait-and-switch on her. Debbie brings attributes that complement our relationship. I’m shy, reserved and introspective; she’s more outgoing and gregarious. No matter where we’ve lived over the years, she’s always made it a home. I also think she’s turned out to be a great First Lady. Please welcome my wife, Debbie.

Now that leaves our daughter, Emily. Emily is nine, going on nineteen. At the rate she’s going, I would not be surprised if we all end up working for her someday. Come to think of it, I already do.

When I made my first visit to UIU, it did not take long for me to realize that this is an ascending institution where a president can have personal relationships at all levels of the academy which, by the way, is exactly what I discovered students find attractive about UIU, as well. It did not take long for me to be impressed with the support and dedication that I saw in the Board of Trustees and in the senior leadership at the University. Also, it did not take long for me to be impressed by the high caliber of faculty, staff, and students. There is a sense of pride, of vision, of optimism here. Upper Iowa University is an institution on the move.

My transition into this position has been marvelous, thanks in large part to the great job Dr. Suzanne James did as Interim President. She did an outstanding job of setting the stage, and I personally want to thank her again for her efforts.

This University has journeyed far from the days when the entire enterprise was located in a single building known as “Ole Sem” or Alexander Dickman Hall, which remains standing to this day. Upper Iowa has faced many challenges and setbacks throughout its history. Nevertheless, this Institution has prospered for almost 150 years. That is no small feat when you consider, for example, that out of the thousands of businesses and corporations in existence in 1857, only 16 remain today.

It hasn’t always been easy. There have been many serious challenges along the way that threatened the future of this Institution. For example, there was the financial crisis of 1857, the year Upper Iowa opened its doors and when tuition was paid in wood, hay and turnips. There were large losses of its student population during the Civil War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War. There was the loss of its accreditation in 1927, combined with the separation and loss of support from its church affiliation in 1928.

Several major fires also left the future of the institution in doubt from time to time, such as the Science Hall fire in 1915, the Science Hall fire in 1927, and the Science Hall fire in 1954. I do not know about you all, but I think I am going to stay away from the Science Hall. The University Chapel also burned in 1933, which was home to three academic departments at the time. Heavens, it is no wonder you decided to hire a firefighter as president.

Despite these traumatic events, this institution has built a remarkable legacy. Our great nation was built on communities like Fayette and institutions like UIU. There is a very rich heritage here. There are strong roots here. The values and principles that made this country strong can still be found here, and over the years, Upper Iowa University became first among equals. It was one of the country’s first integrated institutions of higher education in 1879 and enjoys Iowa ’s most diverse student population to this day. The University was one of relatively few in its day, especially among private/independent colleges and universities, to engage in extension activities in the 1920s. It also pioneered some of the first external degree programs in the early 1970s.

When I think about what a university really is, I am often reminded that the very first universities were not defined in terms of their physical structures and locations but rather by the special relationships that exist between faculty and students. Universities first began as communities of learners that sometimes lived together, ate together, and studied together, and very often moved around from location to location together. Isn’t it interesting to note that with the ability of today’s technology to remove physical location as a barrier to accessing an education, in some sense, we have come full circle? Once again, it is all about the relationship between faculty and students. It is that special relationship that represents the very heart of the Academy.

I believe there is an important lesson here for my peers and me. For those of you who attended college, think back for a moment about who you remember most. Think back to someone at the institution who had the most influence on you. Think back for a moment about your most cherished memories and relationships. When I recall my days as a college student, it is funny but I could not tell you who the president of the university was at the time. I am sure I met him or her, if only at commencement when I walked across the stage and shook their hand or perhaps at Freshman Orientation. Those I will never forget, however, are the friends I met who remain with me today and the professors -- the professors who took special interest in me, mentored me, and showed me the way. Professors like Cleve Taylor at the University of Idaho and Marilyn Amey at the University of Kansas , who is now at Michigan State University . It is not lost on me that an important role of university presidents is to provide support and nurture an environment where these relationships flourish. Alumni relates to the institution through these relationships for the rest of their lives.

For students, universities are also about following their dreams and opening doors of opportunity through education. Some miles to the east of here is a town called Dyersville. You may recognize that name. It was the location for the filming of the movie “Field of Dreams.” It is a great movie about believing, about hope, about aspirations…but it is only a movie. It is make-believe. It is not real. The real field of dreams is right here. What started out with a donation of $15,000 and ten acres of land in 1857 has grown into the largest independent college in Iowa with campuses worldwide. For almost 150 years, young men and women have been coming here in search of their dreams and amid these hallowed halls, they have found them. It is no wonder Upper Iowa University has produced some very distinguished alumni.

David B. Henderson heard a calling to public service on behalf of friends and neighbors and a need to help shape a young republic. He became the first Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from west of the Mississippi River .

John R. Mott had a passion for the spiritual and physical well-being of others and wanted to help the less fortunate. He helped found the Y.M.C.A. and won a Nobel Peace Prize.

William Albright became a world-famous archaeologist, who assisted in deciphering, describing and dating the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Mabel Lossing Jones became a missionary and world traveler, who established the first primary school for boys in India .

Susan Angeline Collins, our first black alumna in 1879, became a missionary in Africa .

William Andres became a captain of industry and CEO of a Fortune 500 Company, called Target Stores. His lovely wife, Betty, continues to serve on the Board of Trustees in order to carry on the good work of her husband, Bill. The new Andres Business and Education Center under construction serves as a testament of their enduring love and dedication to this Institution.

The list goes on, and as you can see, graduates from Upper Iowa University have had, and continue to have, a profound impact on our standard of living, our quality of life, our social condition, and our understanding of what it means to be human in an ever-changing and complex world. Indeed, our graduates have done much to change the world.

From time to time, there is dialogue about what kind of students we should recruit, and it is usually centered on A.C.T. scores, G.P.A. and so forth, as well it should be. In addition to these considerations, however, I would submit that if you show me a person with heart and passion, a person with dreams, a person with energy, a person with native intellect, I will show you the next great civic leader, the next CEO of a Fortune 500 Company, the next great social architect, the next Nobel Prize winner. These qualities do not always reveal themselves fully through the metrics we use to evaluate, recruit, and predict the success of prospective students.

Our graduates, and those generations of faculty and staff who triumphed over the challenges of their day, have left us with a legacy of which we can all be proud. We, in turn, must take up the mantle of responsibility and continue to advance this institution while facing the challenges of our day. Now some of the challenges we face may be different, but make no mistake, they are no less formidable. We must decide today what our legacy will be to the future generations of students, alumni, faculty and staff at Upper Iowa University and to the world.

When I think about the many dynamics that drive higher education these days -- such as the competition for students, the increased influence of the market on tuition, policy development, athletics, the design, format and nature of the venues used to provide an education, and even the nature of our curriculum -- it occurs to me that, like it or not, agree with it or not, believe it or not, higher education has become highly commoditized. There was a time when students went to college primarily to become educated, to become well-rounded individuals. Education was pursued for its own sake.

Today, most students go to college because getting an education is a means to an end. Higher education has become inexorably linked to careers and employment. Today, we still refer to those who attend UIU as “students”, but they behave as consumers. They behave as customers, especially those who come to UIU as adults. Today, because of the sheer number of institutions of higher education of all types that are available in the United States (the United States is the most prolific country in the world when it comes to the number of institutions of higher education) and because of technology and the internet, students have lots of choices. Students and their parents shop around for higher education just like they shop for cars and clothes. They shop for value; they shop for convenience; they compare quality and price. They want more information about what we do and how well we do it, and plenty of organizations outside of higher education are perfectly willing to oblige them with this information. This, in of itself, has become a cottage industry. Now we have rankings, best-buy ratings, branding, silent shoppers, online chat rooms, bulletin boards, email and so on and so forth. It is a revolution out there, and the environment it represents is as much a challenge to the future of Upper Iowa University as all the wars, depressions and fires of its 150-year history combined.

My dear friends and colleagues, it is no longer considered pioneering to offer external degrees. It is no longer considered pioneering to be engaged in academic extension. It is no longer considered pioneering to offer programs online. Now, it is expected.

We have reached the next level. In order for this University to be successful and grow in the coming years, we will need to focus not just on what we do but on how well we do it. We can no longer afford to be a well-kept secret. The institutions that will be successful in the future are those that represent value -- high quality at affordable cost. The institutions that will be successful in the future will be those that find ways to be responsive to the needs of society while maintaining their core values and principles. Those institutions that will be successful in the future will be those that preserve, embrace and celebrate a rich heritage, whose roots are strong, but who also reach out and find new ways of providing education for their own sake in this highly commoditized world we live in. If it sounds like I’ve just described Upper Iowa University , you are right.

We must be able to offer the best of what is old and new. I believe we can achieve our mission to provide education for education’s sake, to graduate well-rounded individuals that contribute to society, to promulgate tolerance and understanding, and an appreciation of the arts and sciences in the finest tradition of a liberal arts education, even if our students do view their education as a means to an end. I believe we can achieve this and be responsive in a market-driven environment.

It is interesting to note that, all else being equal, employers prefer to hire employees that bring liberal arts preparation with them -- abilities to work in diverse work environments, problem solving, creativity, communication, leadership -- over those with just technical skills and knowledge.

If we want to continue to grow and be successful at Upper Iowa University , we will need to do several things:

We will need to continue to find new ways to bring liberal arts education to students under their terms, cost and convenience, but without compromising our standards.

We will need to be able to meet market demands for new programs quickly, especially at the Master’s level, while incorporating quality and the unique strengths we bring into the curriculum that reflect our liberal arts heritage.

We will need to behave as an employee-owned institution of higher education. Let me repeat this one again, we will need to behave as an employee-owned institution of higher education.

We will need to constantly add value to all aspects of the educational experience students have at Upper Iowa , from resident hall life to online tech support.

We must leverage technology to help achieve our goals, whether is to improve service, efficiency, and communication or to enhance delivery and access to our programs and services.

Perhaps most importantly, we must not be afraid to look outside the norm as we presently know it. We must not be afraid to ask bold new questions, just as Elizabeth Alexander did in 1854 when she asked why there could not be a college right here in Fayette. Why not, indeed? Why can’t we have a robust and growing campus in Fayette for which there is a waiting list to get in? Why can’t we achieve a national reputation for the level of quality found in all that we do as a recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige Award? Why can’t we become one of the largest and most preferred providers of higher education, recognized worldwide for its distinguished faculty, and as a pioneer for innovative programs and processes? Why not, indeed? My challenge to you, today, is that we endeavor to make this our legacy.

In the short time I have worn this medallion; its weight has come into consciousness. I am sure this is by design, intended to represent to the wearer the significant responsibility associated with this office. While the president must be prepared to accept ultimate responsibility for the health and well-being of the academy, those who would choose to accept all the responsibility, to bear all the weight alone, do a disservice to the institution, to their colleagues, and to themselves for they cannot stand for very long under the weight. We must all share this responsibility and work together in order to achieve the great things to which I believe we are destined.

Upper Iowa Univeristy
Public Relations
Sheila Miller, Assistant Director
563-425-5326
millers@uiu.edu

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