Although I’ve been dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for five years, the past year has been particularly satisfying for me. This year, my wife (a UW grad) and I became University of Washington parents.

	David Hodge

Our son entered the University as a freshman in autumn 2002. I am extremely proud that he chose to attend the UW. He spent most of his life saying he wanted to be a Cougar—just to spite his parents—but then chose the UW without reservation. He realized, as I have for years, what a privilege it is to be here.

I’ve learned a few things from my son’s experience. He chose to enter the Greek system, something neither my wife nor I had experienced. It is clear that my son has found a smaller community in this large university through his fraternity. I hope that all students find this sense of community, whether through Freshmen Interest Groups (created for this purpose), campus organizations, or other groups.

One might assume that my son avoided many of the hassles freshmen face, given that his father is the Arts and Sciences dean. Nothing could be further from the truth. Like all new students, my son has learned about college life the hard way, through trial and error. If he comes to me with school-related problems, I simply point him to the appropriate contact person, as I do for other students. I firmly believe that college is about taking responsibility for one’s self.

I have enjoyed hearing my son’s views about the University. The way he describes it, he’s already had the full gamut, from professors who have truly inspired him to those who did not seem as effective. Sometimes he has had these two responses to the same professor during the same quarter!

Other faculty in the College have also gained new perspectives on the University through their UW-enrolled children. In this issue of A&S Perspectives, faculty discuss their dual roles as UW professors and UW parents. Their comments demonstrate how varied students’ experiences can be, and how instructive it can be to view a familiar environment through fresh eyes.
This issue also provides an opportunity for us to highlight exceptional A&S faculty, staff, and students. The awards section is packed with stories about faculty and staff receiving major University honors for their work. In a separate article, our Dean’s Medalists—the top graduating senior in each of the College’s four divisions—are profiled. Each year, I look forward to meeting these remarkable students who have taken full advantage of the University’s offerings.

In a few years, it will be my son’s turn to graduate. I hope that he is able to make use of the wonderful resources and opportunities available at the UW, just as our Dean’s Medalists have. Of course, that’s my hope for every student at the University of Washington.

Sincerely,

David Hodge
Dean
206-543-5340
hodge@u.washington.edu

[Summer 2003 - Table of Contents]