As I was reading, I thought about what my experience with Wooster has been. Our college visit must have been good, as our daughter, Caitlin, is a junior, and having a good experience (as much as I can tell from our phone conversations every few days). Reading your magazine, I learned so much more. I learned about a school with a rich history and sense of tradition, one that alums really cherish. I learned about a school which promotes intellectual curiosity and excellence. Most importantly, I learned about a school which develops a sense of global responsibility and influence in its students. Thank you for giving me this window through which I can see the real Wooster better.

MICHELE AMENT
PITTSBURGH, PA.

Outgrowing roots?

I was most interested in reading about the appointment of Grant Cornwell as Wooster’s 11th president. The trustees made a very sound choice in their selection. But the story about him and his family, as reported in Wooster, Fall 2007, was interesting from another perspective. The selection of Dr. Cornwell demonstrates that Wooster has outgrown its church related beginnings and is now grounded in the values stemming from the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. Contrast this with the role the Presbyterian Church played in selecting Howard Lowry as Wooster's president in 1944!

This is evident in Dr. Cornwell’s passion for philosophy, the values of Buddhism, and his commitment to putting philosophic beliefs into practice. These include ethics and social justice, cultural diversity, duty to others, and human rights. Indeed, these very values can be found in the Christian faith. But what is noteworthy is that Dr. Cornwell’s selection was based not on any Christian beliefs he may or may not hold, but on his humanistic and secular values, the very qualities required to lead an academic institution of Wooster’s stature. Indeed, the College’s current statement of purpose reads, “Wooster aims to establish an atmosphere in which intellectual inquiry is unconstrained by ideology, fashion, or creed…” There is no reference here to religion, much less to Presbyterianism.

The selection of Grant Cornwell as Wooster’s 11th president reveals how far the College has outgrown her Presbyterian roots. But a nagging question remains: Is there a place for an avowed Christian perspective in the College’s mission? If so, what is it, other than a pro forma recognition of her Presbyterian heritage?

LEE H . LYBARGER '56
DELAWARE, OHIO