MiddNews
The first five days of November came and went, delivering perfect weather for the unfolding of the Bicentennial finale. It almost seemed as if the College had indeed found favor with higher powers, as was suggested by College Choir Director François Clemmons as he established a mood for a Friday evening performance by the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble.
Each day brought a variety of celebratory events during a wonderful pause in the daily life of the College that inspired the participation of a vast segment of the College community from both on and off campus. Taken together with the plethora of events that transpired over the past two years, the celebration may well have been among the most extensive anniversary observances that any college has ever mounted.
A number of themes recurred as the celebration ran its course. Middlebury College is without question "the town's college"-a result of its founding by leading citizens of Middlebury, and by virtue of the still strong ties that bind town and College. Among other themes were factors that have contributed to the well being of today's Middlebury College, including visionary leaders, the appeal and inspiration of Vermont's hills, a global perspective, and the perennial pertinence of a pure liberal arts academic program.
The future of higher education and the significant role of technology were also prominent topics. Middlebury must embrace technology's promise, it was suggested, but resist the temptation to alter its essential mission in a misguided attempt to compete head to head with new models for delivering knowledge. Look to Middlebury's residential programs as one way to distinguish it from the "dot coms" of higher education.
The Bicentennial celebration provided a focal point that permitted an extended examination of the College's identity. From its historical roots, planted so long ago in the rocky soil of Vermont, to today's mature, solid institution well poised for the future, Middlebury has been tested in the sometimes harsh surroundings in which it exists. Ultimately these challenging surroundings however, have also nurtured the College and given it persistence, strength, and purpose.
The trustees and fellows of Middlebury College are licensed by the FCC to operate a radio station at 91.1 on the FM dial. The station, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, recently obtained regulatory permission to boost its operating wattage from 100 to 2,900. With the installation this fall of new transmitting equipment and erection of a new tower, the station can now be heard as far south as Rutland, Vt., and north to the Canadian border. The students who operate WRMC have taken seriously this increase in geographic coverage, and adjusted schedules, programming, and management practices to ensure a professional product.
Trustees have given the nod to proceed with plans to build a new library rather than renovate the current facility. Architects Gwathmey, Siegel & Associates have begun to refine plans for a $40 million library to be located at the current site of the old science building, which has been vacant since its former occupants took up residence in Bicentennial Hall. The old science building will be razed, nearby Storrs Avenue houses will be relocated, and the arc of the facing street will be "gentled out" to permit more smoothly flowing traffic patterns. The permitting process will begin when detailed designs have been readied, and work is expected to start in the spring of 2001 for a 2004 completion.
The greater Addison County community and the town of Middlebury are important constituents of the College. Several recent activities reflect the nature and value of the active relationship that exists between the College and various elements of the local community.
A luncheon hosted by Middlebury President John McCardell to welcome Middlebury's newly hired town manager William Finger included area manufacturing and business leaders, who provided their perspectives on issues facing the town's future.
Another luncheon was held for Cathy Minehan, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, who was on campus to lecture to an economics class. Again, guests were members of the local business community, whose views of economic conditions in Vermont provided Minehan with perspective she needs as a member of the Fed's Open Market Committee, which sets interest rate policy.
Further acknowledging its ties to the surrounding area and the importance of those who live here, the College bestowed Bicentennial medals on 10 local citizens who have contributed significantly to the community.
Mickey Heinecken, head coach of the Middlebury football Panthers for the past 28 years, ended the team's 2000 season by announcing that he will step down from his coaching responsibilities. Heinecken, who will remain at the College as a special advisor to Director of Athletics Russ Reilly, coached his team to a 7-1 record this season to capture a share of the NESCAC Football championship with Amherst and Colby. He has coached more games and amassed more wins than any other coach in school history. His career record of 126-95-2 places him sixth among New England Division III football coaches in total number of wins. He has coached more than 500 players during his career, 28 of whom have become coaches.
Heinecken's retirement was announced by President McCardell at a press conference immediately following the season's final game-a 27-0 victory over Tufts on Nov. 11 that brought the number of quarters played since Middlebury last allowed a touchdown to 26.
The Bicentennial produced more than good feeling and good will. Here is a sampling that suggests more tangible effects of the celebration.
A major new history of the College, "The College on the Hill" by David Bain, was researched, written, and produced during the celebration. A 40-minute video was shot and edited by eminent cinematographer Allen Moore. Titled "The Pursuit of Truth," the video was produced by Nancy Rome, class of '78. The U.S. Postal Service issued a stamped postcard depicting the College's historic Old Stone Row.
Bicentennial medals were struck and awarded to 87 individuals who contributed to the celebration. An original choral work, "Reflections of the Sky," was commissioned, written by alumnus Peter Hamlin '73, rehearsed, and performed.
In attendance at various events over the course of the celebration were both Vermont senators, who presented the College with a copy of a Senate resolution honoring the College; three former Vermont governors; state legislators and other state officials; local select board members; two former Middlebury presidents; several current college presidents; former head of state Lech Walesa of Poland; half a dozen nationally prominent journalists; numerous leading scholars and authors; and College administrators, staff members, and students. They planned, presented, wrote, spoke, performed to contribute to the success of the celebration.