Academic Values

Today, I lunched with a former research professor of mine at a Madison, Wisconsin Rotary International Club luncheon. He and I in fact met on Tuesday last to evaluate some career options for me. He really helped me sort out options to make sure I did not take a wrong turn in the career road at this point. Anyway, as we were leaving the luncheon today, I was one of the last five or six out, the club president came over to me (he knows my connection to this professor) and told me, I am not making this up, "You know, he just gave me a check for $124,000 to deposit into our local club's local foundation! I had no idea or hint that he was going to do this!" In fact my former professor, gave the check after most folks had left - likely on purpose, not to attract personal attention. Yes, academics at their very best, include personal loyalties that develop through shared values, shared journey, and shared realization we are a special "fraternity."