I was not a skeptic about Martha Saunders.  I did my homework.  I heard good things.   I had respect for the people who were advising in the search process.  I've been watching carefully for almost three months and have been pleased with so many positive insights to her character and potential ranging from her stream of consciousness blog to her upper level administrative decisions.  Despite all this, I was unprepared for the culture shock of the first major reception she hosted in her new home, the President's home.

Where to begin?  I had to slow down on Jamestown Road because I followed the golf carts that were carrying new faculty members from their far away cars.  A very nice touch given the heat.  Like Cheers, there were people outside who knew everyone's name and made sure each guest was individually greeted.  Then, there she was - not a figure in a formal receiving line but - a gracious hostess at the door welcoming her guests with a warm greeting, a firm handshake and twinkling, intelligent eyes that you immediately sense register everything.   The next hint that I was no longer in Oz came from the catering staff.  The same folks who've been at scores of receptions I've attended looked different;  they were smiling, attentive, responsive but they were also relaxed.  The tension so apparent at other events these past few years was absent.  The atmosphere of the party was different also.  Gone was the almost hierarchical arrangement of parties past.  There was a good flow of clusters and conversations, movement and sound, seasoned faculty and new.  A student pianist took requests and there was space to enjoy his good work.  President Saunders circulated, sometimes alone, sometimes with groups.  She seems to have a knack of awareness that allows her both to focus on a conversation and to be inclusive of those waiting to talk with her.

Now to her words of welcome...  In a charming, somewhat self-deprecating manner, she shared the challenges of merging four presidencies of furniture and preparations for her first big reception.  Choosing to host that first reception for new faculty spoke powerfully of her priorities.  Her words reinforced this.  I'm paraphrasing but she said something along the lines of, "We want you to be successful.  We'll provide you with the tools in the classroom, in your labs, and for your research. But, mostly, we'll provide you with colleagues.  Seek out your colleagues and build relationships."Then she shared her gifts to new faculty, Oseola McCarty's Simple Wisdom for Rich Living, and she told the legendary story with pride (and correct pronunciation - an important distinction for those of us who remember).

For some of us it was bittersweet knowing too many people, casualties of the past administration, who should have been there and weren't.  Nonetheless, we left full of optimism and heartfelt knowledge that the long-awaited new day has come.  Martha Saunders ushered it in.