August , 2009
Welcome Cook Class of 2013, Cook Students, Parents and Family, Faculty, and Staff Affiliates!
As Commons Head, I welcome you on behalf of Cook Dean Karl Lindholm, Coordinator Linda Schiffer, Commons Residential Advisor (CRA) Emily Picciotto, Middlebury ’09, the First-Year Counselors, the Sophomore RAs, and the Commons Tri-Chairs and Council, to receive you warmly into our social and intellectual community.
I have been Professor of Italian here at Middlebury since 1984. I have been Commons Head here at Cook since 2000. This year, I will have again the pleasure of teaching a first-year seminar, “Representations of Urban Italy.” I oversee the general running of our Commons, which I conduct in a collaborative manner with the aid of our CRA, and our expert Dean and Coordinator.
As Commons Head, I have a College home at 46 South St., where faculty, students, and visiting experts dine and discuss a wide variety of topics. We also have a facility available at Forest East Lounge to host larger events. Faculty and staff are welcome to work with me and Coordinator Linda Schiffer to plan events at the House.
First and foremost, Cook is your community. The FYCs, RAs, and Commons Tri-Chairs, along with the adult staff, hope to inspire you and support you in building your own fully-dimensional local community.
We work collaboratively on programming for the Commons at the open meetings of the Cook Commons Council. Wednesday nights at 7 PM in Pearsons Lounge. Students of all four years are most welcome to attend Council meetings immediately, starting with the first week of classes. For first-year students, your FYCs will inform you more about this opportunity.
Each Commons has acquired over the years a particular local character. Chosen by students ten years ago, Cook’s motto sums up what we value: “Pleasure and Intelligence. A solid and sure balance of body, emotions, and mind enables us to get the most out of what Middlebury has to offer: energetic fun; lasting friendships; wide-ranging experiences both here and globally; a sense of ethical purpose and commitment; life-long health; and life-long learning.
Where you live and how you live there profoundly affects the quality of your college experience. Your residence halls will mark the site of great challenges, great friendships, and great growth for all of you. Remember this: Cook is your community. You are responsible for this place and its quality of life. We are here to welcome you and to support you in opening another great new year in the life of Cook Commons.
I wish you a glorious summer’s end, a loving and peaceful transition from home to Middlebury, and safe travels.
Warm regards,
Pat Zupan
C.A. Dana Professor of Italian
Faculty Head, Cook Commons