Editor’s Note
“The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind in others the conviction and the will to carry on....”
An Oregon travel-writer friend recently led me on an exploration of the coast from Lincoln City to Newport. With a specific locale in mind, he checked weather forecasts and tide tables prior to our departure, bought me a pair of waterproof boots and made sure I had a proper jacket. We stopped at several lookout points, some equipped with telescopes and frequented by numerous ocean gazers, others he knew from previous expeditions that required our own binoculars and some surefooted forays far from the side of the road. When we reached our destination, I had to follow him step for step as we descended to the beach, wended our way through tide pools and clambered over algae-slick rocks to gaze at marine gardens and spy on a colony of seals in an area accessible only at low tide. At his urging, I plotted our return path, hopping from tussock to tussock until we reached sand again. On the way back, we caught sight of a familiar-looking pair. They had been following us for the better part of the morning.
Ordinary people, everyday circumstances, simple lessons in leadership: learn your own way, make a plan and prepare, equip those who follow, chart a course, set an example, encourage others to take the lead when they are ready.
Such lessons in leadership take place everyday at Willamette, from the classroom to the boardroom, from Salem to Sudan. In this issue of The Scene, you’ll read about leaders like Jerry Gray, 2005 Oregon Professor of the Year, who continually charts new paths through difficult academic terrain, and about young alumna Heather Dempsey ’97, whose passion for environmental justice led her to take action and encourage others to do the same. Look back on the extraordinary men and women who established Willamette’s legacy of leadership by setting their minds on a goal and their shoulders to the task. And look to the future with fresh perspectives on leadership offered by new faculty and a variety of noteworthy alumni. May their stories inspire you to take the lead in your own life — and as you glance back to see how far you’ve come, may you find someone following your lead.
Rebecca Brant, Editor
Mail Bag
A lot of alumni magazines come across my desk. The Scene always captures my attention, but the fall issue is particularly vibrant, exciting, informative and just plain fun to read. Congratulations to everyone involved.
Gary Andeen
Executive Director, Oregon
Independent Colleges Association
The fall 2005 Scene is an improvement in content and format. The Scene is the best communication with alumni, especially the 50 year plus.
Frank Newell ’49
Green Valley, Ariz.
I just finished reading the most recent edition of The Scene. I can’t tell you how thrilled and thankful I am to hear about all the growth and improvements the University is making under [President Pelton’s] leadership.
What impressed me most was reading about the improvements in all areas of University life. Residential commons, an expanding partnership with downtown Salem and a Commission on Academic Excellence will all mean even brighter days for Willamette’s future.
I would like to offer any support I can from 1,500 miles away. As rewarding as it is, a career in journalism is not the path to great riches, and I’m not able to contribute nearly as much financially as I would like. That being said, if there is any additional way I could be of service to Willamette University, I would be eager to hear.
I don’t get to campus nearly as often as I would like. What I wouldn’t give to be able to sit on the Quad for a few minutes or enjoy a breakfast of biscuits and gravy from Goudy Commons once in awhile!
I do look forward to spending some long-overdue time on campus during my next trip to Salem. But even from the prairies of the Midwest, it is obvious the entire Willamette community is embracing the words “Not unto ourselves alone are we born.”
Robert W. Wilson ’97
Sioux Falls, S.D.