It’s rare to see the College from this birds-eye view. Thanks to drone technology, it looks contained, ordered, and serene in the swirling — and so very green! — composition by video specialist Brandon Hodnett. This tranquility is not the reality at most college and university campuses today. Swarthmore is no exception. As you know, views here vary widely. Discourse and debates are ongoing around academic topics, wars, famine, and conflicts across the globe.
With the days to the November election slipping away, the national temperature continued to rise. In the midst of such discord, in this Bulletin issue, we wanted to talk … about talking.
In “I Think We Should Talk”, we turn to political science faculty and alumni who offer insight on this moment in American political history. They explain what is unique — and what is not — about a fractured citizenship and a fragile democracy. And importantly, they share their thoughts on what may help the country navigate more turbulence.
In something of a response, “Words to Live By” opens the door for some of Swarthmore’s poets to weigh in on the power of the written word to help make sense of the world in times of crisis and confusion.
Looking Back highlights the College’s long history with prose and verse as we showcase W. H. Auden H’64’s stately, and slightly forbidding, Underwood typewriter, part of the collection in McCabe Library’s Rare Book Room. Poetry is experiencing a peak in popularity on campus and among alumni.
We know we could not include every Swarthmore poet, but the voices shared represent a gleaming portion of the talent in this diverse and creative community.
Continuing the theme of communication, “Strength in Storytelling” is a profile of Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro ’02 that examines the promise of investing in the power of local press.
Ending this fall edition on a note of hope, “Empowering Young Minds” celebrates the vibrant Summer Learning Program of the Chester Children’s Chorus. CCC students explore the campus from the ground up and, with each new season, add their own stories and voices to Swarthmore’s ongoing conversation with the world.
Kate Campbell
Editor
