Rev. Konkol wrote an op-ed piece sharing what he learned by living in the residence halls during his first semester at Valpo:
"I have learned to listen with the intent to understand, not simply to respond."
This kind of listening needs to be promoted more at the university level. It is so important when learning (in any job) as well as in any relationship our students wish to have. One of the more important life lessons.
I had a chance to talk to Rev. Konkol in person when he was doing a quick trip in the Greater Boston area. My enthusiasm for his appointment only deepened. He brings youthful energy and old soul instincts, a great combo.
His first semester at VU was truly nomadic. In addition to living in the residence halls, he worked from offices in different buildings, thus giving him a chance to meet faculty in their venues. I've never heard of any university president beginning their tenure in such a way.
Many of us have said that this is the most important presidential appointment in VU's modern history, and I continue to agree with that. Fortunately, thankfully, that choice appears to be a terrific one. In addition, it will be up to alums and other supporters of the university to respond in kind, philanthropically and otherwise.
I had the same experience with Pres. Konkol in Milwaukee. To avoid being repetitive, I will simply say that I had the same impression as David81 and believe that he is the right person to lead Valpo.
Rev. Konkol published this piece in the NW Indiana Times. I hope that folks can enlarge the image and read it. It's a great example of the spadework he's doing to create ties to the Region.
Here is the link. It should work as long as you haven’t been going to the NWI Times often. I refuse to pay for Times ever since they cut out Valparaiso University Sports coverage. Thank God Paul started The Victory Bell.
I do applaud the outreach and the gesture is wise.
However, to the general reader I sense it was pretty thick on generalities and lacked substance. It implied a lot of issues below the surface in our history, so credit due on that. He might have added a bit of substance into the region's assets such the lake.
He also threw the obligatory climate change issue. He and academics needs to read up on Bill Gates' recent comments and realize that the climate issue is dated and a bit foolish now. Higher ed missed the memo from their great champion and hero Bill Gates memo. It's like an army of loyalists who are in denial.