April 8, 2008
Honors students, Kerwin chat over tea
(Photo by Jeff Watts)
Twenty-five undergraduates had President Neil Kerwin’s ear last Wednesday, during a 90-minute “tea talk” sponsored by the University Honors Program.
“I know when I was an undergrad, I was never invited into the president’s office,” said Michael Mass, program director. “The fact that the president’s office has now been opened to students, faculty, staff, and alumni is truly a breath of fresh air.”
Kerwin chatted with the students about his undergrad experience and how AU has changed over the last 40 years. He also touched on the strategic plan and student activism, after which he opened it up to questions.
“The students were very engaged,” asking about everything from AU’s environmental initiatives to fund raising, said Mass. “The president has been very clear that students are important, and honors students are important. They had lots of great questions, and I think Dr. Kerwin really enjoyed the chance to visit with them.”
The University Honors Program has hosted “tea talks” for the last 12 years. “Students really seem to enjoy these informal conversations with faculty and other campus leaders,” said Mass. “It’s something they’ve come to expect from the program.” —AF
