The programs have certainlyexpanded and developed over these years also. When I firstarrived at Wroxton, the college hosted four programs over36 weeks. The rest of the time the Abbey was locked up,shutters drawn, empty. This soon changed: this year —2010 — we shall be hosting 21 programs and will havestudents in residence for 47 weeks. Over the years, wehave developed undergraduate and graduate programsin business, communications, criminal justice, economics,education, literature, politics, sociology and theatre, aswell as a variety of graduate seminars.
Our programs have capitalized on the geographical location of the college with visits to nearby London, Birmingham and Stratford-Upon-Avon — birthplace of William Shakespeare and home to the Royal Shakespeare Company — the Houses of Parliament, Scotland, Wales and even long weekends through northern France and Paris. We’ve established visits to the European Union institutions for various groups of students studying business, economics and politics, as well as trips to World War I memorial sites.
Without doubt the best thing tocome out of my having been at Wroxton has been someof the people I have had the pleasure and privilege ofmeeting and of getting to know, not least of all includedin this are some of my students. I also have been heartenedby the support the college has received from so many ofour alumni. The success of our alumni programs demonstratesthe bonds our graduates have with Wroxton andtheir interest in seeing the college continue to flourish. Iwish to thank all those who have believed in our missionand contributed to the advancement of that mission.
The shared experiences — particularly during a 15- week long semester — have, I believe, made Wroxton forever a place that our students hold in their hearts; but it is not just the students of which this is true, I know it is true for me as well. We do not forget these days — for they are the sweetest of days.
But one must not be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before one can meet again. And meeting again — after moments or lifetimes — is certain for those who are friends because friends are not only together when they are side-by-side; friendship knows neither time nor distance; friendship is the strongest of bonds. It is through the bonds of friendship that the heart and soul find their morning and are refreshed. These are the bonds that bind me to Wroxton.
Building on the solid foundationslaid in the past and upon FDU’s strong commitment toglobal education; harnessing the skills, loyalty and dedicationof Wroxton’s faculty, staff and students; and buoyedby the constant support of alumni and friends in both theUnited States and the United Kingdom, the task facingWroxton College is a four-fold one, namely:
1. To continue to adapt its curriculum to the requirements of the time and to future developments;
2. To develop new ways in which to make a period of study at Wroxton College attractive not merely to students but to their home academic institutions;
3. To continue to develop its facilities in order to cater to its undergraduate and graduate student populations; and
4. To ensure that its administrative and financial structures are efficient and cost effective.
Taking this approach, Wroxton College will be able to face the challenges and grasp the opportunities that will confront it as the 21st century unfolds — and will be able to do so with enthusiasm and renewed vigor as it sets out on the next phase of its history.
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