Photo by: Bob Rashid

John E. Burris

Classic. Daring. Life-Changing. It’s an unusual name for a fund-raising effort, but Beloit College is not an ordinary place, and ours is not a typical campaign.

We pondered the predictable campaign names, such as “The Beloit Campaign” or the “Campaign for the Future of Beloit.” At various points, we even considered drawing the campaign name from one or more of its important aspects—from the enhancement of international programs to the construction of the new Center for the Sciences.

But as our work evolved, we began to realize that our campaign is really about the future of an institution that is larger than any of these individual elements. Beloit is a unique, living entity that grows and changes, even as it retains its 160-year-old traditional commitments.

Life-Changing. It is a description of Beloit College that echoes down the generations of graduating students and parents. We hear it used by those whose expectations and careers were shaped by the mind-opening and challenging experiences and teachers at Beloit, and we hear it repeatedly from international students whose dreams were realized here.

Daring emerged from the realization that from its fragile start—from the curricular decision of Beloit’s founders to bring Stephen Pearl Lathrop and his scientific cabinet of wonders here to incorporate science into undergraduate studies—Beloit has been breaking new ground in pedagogy. From the international elements of the College and its graduates who established educational and social programs around the world, to the Beloit Plan, Symposium Day, interdisciplinary studies, and signature Asian studies programs, Beloit has never been afraid of innovation.

Classic. And for all these dramatic elements, it is still the classical commitment to the liberal arts, now and tomorrow, that shapes our mission. The answer to “What will you do with that major?” continues to be, “Anything I want.” We believe in and are committed to the ideals of the liberal arts philosophy.

Every aspect of the Classic. Daring. Life-Changing. campaign will change the College and reinforce its foundation. Some elements will be quite visible. In the pages of this magazine, you have seen the illustrations of a changed and unified campus design from our campus master plan, which will beautify and strengthen our definition as a residential liberal arts college. The Center for the Sciences will add a dynamic new structure for teaching and a dramatic central gathering place for the entire campus and the community. The removal of Chamberlin Hall will open the campus to the Rock River and add urban vistas.

Other critical elements are not as visible. Expanded leadership in science pedagogy, increased faculty resources, and opportunities for teaching, research, study abroad, and international diversity on campus are all central to the campaign.

When we publicly launched the campaign at a dinner in Chicago this past spring, we were reminded of the multiple meanings its name will invoke to individuals. For instance, Trustee Steve Mahle’67 considered the description of Beloit as “classic” by comparing today’s challenges of scientific competitiveness to those of the early 1960s, when he came to Beloit. Judy Logback’95, representing the “daring” part of a Beloit experience, traveled from the rainforest of Ecuador to speak about ways the campus can dare to be different by being “greener.” Muyiwa Awoniyi’03 took a break from Ph.D./M.D. degree studies to speak about how his “life-changing” dreams, put in motion at Beloit, continue to inspire and drive him—and us.

As you look at this College from your perspective, these three words will have their own distinctive meanings to you. The campaign is yours to define as you wish, and your College awaits your involvement. Collectively, I believe we will look back on this period in future years as the time when we truly began to prepare Beloit for the new century, dedicating ourselves to a new level of excellence. I will be traveling the country during the coming year to speak with alumni, friends, and parents of Beloit students. I look forward to talking with you about the Classic. Daring. Life-Changing. campaign in your community or here on campus.

---