Lots of stuff going on, as usual.
11:15 p.m.
The choir was co-opted to sing at the opening, and we performed Brahms’ He that shall endure to the end shall be savèd, which was very apt at the beginning of a new principal’s contract, especially considering he follows upon the heels of an impeached one. He gave a very good address, albeit a little too long, but began it by saying that he is the 18th principal at our institution and 18 is a very special number in Jewish tradition, spelling out the word for life.
You see, this is the first Jewish principal our institution has ever had. It became a university as an Anglican theological school putting out priests. The bishop still opens convocation with a prayer. At least he’s dropped the “in Jesus’ name” part that irked me so much, but I think the whole prayer thing has to go. Not likely.
The two honorary doctorates were also Jewish, having worked in the fields of equality and anti-discrimination. The head of corporation is Jewish. This is really rather novel where we are. But in reality, it doesn’t mean a damned thing.
I met with a new student this afternoon, an exchange student who wants to learn how to sing. She’s going to be quite a challenge, and that’s all I can say at this time. Actually, that’s quite enough.
Then this evening we went to hear Grandpa Mike play in a jazz concert at the department. It was very nice, albeit a bit long without an intermission, and the reception afterwards was also fun. I ate lots of bruschetta, and there was still tons left over. Food services has taken over the reception food. The students made really great receptions in the past, but the inspector came by and said that it wasn’t allowed. Just another way for the evil multi-national conglomerate to make more money. Ssssss!
Okay, I’m done.
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