I remember a time at USM - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Jul 5, 2004

I remember a time at USM

Date: Jul 5, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Emma
"Where across the curriculum - people were communicating. The city of Hattiesburg was thriving. and I felt like I was one of the luckiest people in the world. I remember a time at USM when . .."

The only time I do not feel this way is when I read the opinions section in HA. When I am on campus, though, I still feel this way.

Date: Jul 5, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Emma
"Where across the curriculum - people were communicating. The city of Hattiesburg was thriving. and I felt like I was one of the luckiest people in the world. I remember a time at USM when . .."

I've grieved a great deal too, Emma. I used to feel that there was so much potential, for USM and for the entire area. It's very difficult to now to feel that it is going to take miracles for things to change.

On the good side, this crisis has brought many faculty and staff together that might not have even met before. I think lots of new relationships have been forged, and these will be useful in rebuilding USM after Thames is gone.

Date: Jul 5, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: foot soldier
"On the good side, this crisis has brought many faculty and staff together that might not have even met before. I think lots of new relationships have been forged, and these will be useful in rebuilding USM after Thames is gone."

I believe foot soldier is correct. To those comments, I would like to add these thoughts: USM will recover. No doubt about that. Recovery may take a very long time, but recovery is inevitable in the long run. Institutions are forever, whereas their leaders are transient and often rapidly forgotten (that includes deans and department chairs as well as presidents). When the recovery finally occurs, USM will be an even stronger academic institution than it was before the crisis. I am reminded of the philosophy that some people must hit rock bottom before recovering, but when they finally recover they are often far stronger than before. Perhaps institutions are like that too.

Date: Jul 5, 2004

kick