So Polk wins an award for his work, Stringer gets another big NEH grant and brings out another volume of the Donne work, Wheeler accepts a job as chair on the east coast (and Villaponteaux surely will follow soon), Malone leaves to be assistant dean at Mercer, Wallace goes to NC State, Richardson goes to Carey, Herzinger retires, Robinson goes to Florida, etc. etc. and the public wonders how the university is faring?
Unfettered brains are blooming and busting out all over! Way to go Noel and all others who strive unfettered to better themselves and their institutions and the world. Now that's what we can really call "World Class."