The online/virtual graduation ceremony last Friday was more than I expected.  Brief (35’) and efficiently delivered, there were some moments of touching sentiment, moments of worldly wisdom, moments of kitschy school pride.  But it was a meaningful event, well done.

During the event I was thrilled (really) to receive messages from cap-and-gown-clad pictures of students I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with during their time in the School of Music.  The personal messages, rather than the mass graduation ceremonies, were very moving expressions...

The school year now officially closed, and there are so many non-fatal casualties, along with the covid-19 victims.

Colleagues leaving us through retirement, new opportunities or, worst of all, massive budget cutbacks requiring elimination of positions.  Along with graduating students, there’s no opportunity for career closure.

One among many valued colleagues, the director of our bands, Scott Carter, is retiring after a long and distinguished career.  He was an undergrad here at ECU, then taught in a public school system for years before pursuing his graduate degrees, and ultimately joining the School of Music’s faculty long before my arrival in ’98...

Now starting a different blog-thread, Pandemic Life. This post double-listed, but will only post in Pandemic Life moving forward.

Another good read:

But the value of education, the value of educating the next generation, is not held high by American society, gov’t, businesses, indeed by those who espouse capitalism as a panacea to the world’s problems.  The values prioritized by the generation that went through the great depression and WWII are fading fast under vacuous leadership. 

Those of us in the field of education are effected, of course, but not nearly as much as those we’re charged to guide towards the future...

Now starting a different blog-thread, Pandemic Life. This post double-listed, but will only post in Pandemic Life moving forward.

This article is a great one, I think.  https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-pandemic-is-the-time-to-resurrect-the-public-university

A recent meeting i attended included some University of California faculty.  Fac/Staff in the UC system are told to expect a 25% pay cut, and a 25% furlough of staff.

“Pay cuts and furloughs.  We keep hearing about these, but the UNC System has been mum.  Not sure how we get to the level of cutting that looks like is around the corner without many more tools like pay cuts and furloughs.  I hate to say it…” (a candid comment from a UNC system-member Dean.)

It’s all terrifically frightening, and te...

We are back in Greenville, now for 10 days.  Coming home was a good move, as Hawaii’s extended its lockdown to the end of May…it was a nice condo unit, but better to be taking care of this house, getting outside for yardwork, m’cycle riding, etc.  Things generally quiet here, but people not as cautious as in Hawaii; few masks, e.g.  But we’ve been back nearly 2 weeks, are healthy, although Pattie’s really reacting to a potent spring bloom in the air.

Sorry you have to leave the island, but the CAT scan’s essential…how long has it been at this point, 3 yrs?  I know you’ll both take all necessary precautions, so hope it’s a safe and easy trip in and out.  Sorry you won’t be able to sit and enjoy a nice meal at a favorite café but, alas, let the suspense keep building...