Mission Impossible Excerpts from COA president Steve Katona’s speech at Convocation 2004
Everyone who studies at College of the Atlantic is responding to a thirst for learning. But we are aware that you could have quenched that thirst at many other institutions. I believe you chose COA for its distinctive qualities, such as small size, personal attention, interdisciplinary perspective and hands-on methodology, but I know you were also strongly attracted by our mission. I think that the Class of 2008, and others of us in the room, are here because College of the Atlantic’s vision and mission are more ambitious and reflect the fact that this planet is in trouble and needs our help. In some ways, your journey may recall the one taken almost ninety years ago, when explorer Ernest Shackleton set out to cross the Antarctic continent. Here’s how he advertised for his expedition party: MEN WANTED: For Hazardous Journey. Small Wages, Bitter Cold, Long Months of Complete Darkness, Constant Danger, Safe Return Doubtful. Honour and Recognition in Case of Success. ~ Sir Ernest Shackleton That was truth in advertising, as any of you familiar with the ensuing saga know. On our quest together to save the world, the wages may also be low, it does get cold and dark here in winter, but this is a journey we must undertake, because there will be even more hazards and dangers if we don’t. While your safe return is hardly in doubt, College of the Atlantic and its mission ask much more of you than most colleges do. This is not a place where you choose a major, take the required courses, get good grades on tests, collect your diploma and take your assigned seat in the workplace. At times you may wish it were. Instead you will often confront the dark side of freedom: personal responsibility and the need to make intelligent choices—continually. You will grapple with complex and intertwined concepts that have many dimensions. You will be confused. You will despair to find the world in such a mess. And you will be frustrated with the limits of your ability to help. College of the Atlantic’s vision and mission urge individuals to gain personal fulfillment, but also to serve others. Each person must find that balance on her own, because each person is different. I want to thank all of you who have heard the call and had the courage and boldness to undertake this quest and choose College of the Atlantic. I am honored to be president of a college whose students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees and advisors are willing to do whatever they can and whatever it takes to advance its mission and to guide ourselves, our communities and the world to a more beneficial, sustainable future. I hope you will always feel proud and privileged to be part of this institution and that ambitious mission. Thank you very much, Steve Katona
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