PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

A Job Well Done, A Life Well Lived

He was a source of great pride! Paul Simon, who is arguably our most distinguished alumnus — certainly our most widely recognized one — died unexpectedly in December of complications following heart surgery in Springfield, Ill. Director of Special Events and Projects Anne Christopherson and I attended his memorial service at the Southern Illinois University Arena on Dec. 14, as did Dr. Sybille Bartels, associate dean for student success, professor of German and director of International Studies and the English Language Institute.

It was a moving ceremony with more than 6,000 on hand to honor and salute a man who meant so much to so many. Little was said about Dana at any of the farewell events, but we who knew Paul knew how much he loved this college. I recall being at an event with several dozen college and university presidents in Washington, D.C., many years ago when Sen. Simon spoke. Several fellow presidents in attendance from Illinois commented that he spent more time talking about Dana than any of their institutions.

He had agreed to come back on the Dana College Board of Regents effective January 1 this year, but that was not to be. We are most grateful, however, that he and his wife, Patti, were able to come to campus for Homecoming this past October. He loved the Traditional Choir Reunion, cheering for the Dana football and volleyball teams, and visiting with classmates. He made a special plea that we set Homecoming dates three years in advance so that he could free his calendar to attend.

One can argue over how much influence Dana had on his life. Writers often called him a college drop-out, which I think quite unfair, especially given the fact that he was a lifelong learner, always the student, and, as his colleagues and friends, Senators Alan Simpson and Edward Kennedy said, “always the teacher.” The author of 22 or more books, he was surely not a “student” drop-out.

I shall always be grateful for his gift a few years ago of his remaining presidential campaign funds to establish at Dana an endowed travel loan fund. We call it the Simon Travel Loan Fund, as it makes small loans to Dana students who plan to study overseas. Paul’s request was that the money be given as a “loan” with no stipulations except a request that one day recipients return the funds and perhaps an added amount so it becomes a perpetual loan fund. I urge Dana alumni and friends to make memorial contributions in any amount to enable us to continue the Simon Fund. Paul believed travel and friendship among people of different nations would improve the prospects for peace.

I remember when he ran for president and a Life reporter asked him to name his favorite musical group. Without hesitation, he responded, “The Dana College Choir.” Students put giant bow ties on the residence halls that year when he visited. People of all walks of life loved the man because he was a devoted statesman, a rare public servant who cared little for what the polls said as long as his heart and conscience were clean. He was often compared to Abraham Lincoln. One syndicated cartoonist recently drew a caricature of Simon and Abraham Lincoln shaking hands outside the pearly gates. An angel in the background says, “Wow! It’s that Illinois politician famous for his honesty!” The other angel replies, “Which one?”

We shall miss Paul greatly. His role model will not soon be forgotten. He often said he got his start in politics at Dana as student body president. I know this: He gave much back to his alma mater. Another cartoonist captured his life well. A drawing of a huge hand-tied bow tie fills the drawing. The caption reads: “Honesty — Dignity — Courage — Respect, Paul Simon 1928-2003.” May his devotion to public service and humane, fair-minded treatment of all people be a model for Dana students always, for all people always. Our prayers go out to Patti and his children, Sheila and Martin, and their families.

Thank You, Paul, for a job well done, a life well lived!