Letter to the Board
Esteemed Ladies and Gentlemen of the Board,
The following letter has been written of my own accord, with no incentive
or encouragement, the only prompt being what Wofford has given me. For
nearly four years I have seen you gather at certain times on Wofford’s Campus,
and up until this point I have not had the courage to say what I am about to
say. I once saw Mr. Milliken reading a newspaper outside of Burwell Dining Hall
and wanted to express my gratitude, but being a timid freshman, I shied away from
the idea almost immediately. I also considered approaching Mr. Jimmy Gibbs at one
time, but I don’t think he would have heard me over the growl of his English-crafted
automobile! And it is not that you seem intimidating – I just have not felt able
to express myself properly until now.
My career at Wofford has brought about many distinctive changes in myself. I have
become more human: more intelligent, more intellectual, more involved, more spiritual,
more motivated, more caring, more confident, more conscious, more convicted, more
charismatic, more cerebral, more emotional, more tolerant, more aware of my flaws,
humbler, bolder, wiser, better looking, and definitely better dressing. Politically,
Wofford has shaped me to be sanely liberal and healthily conservative.
The ring which I, after considerable debate about the cost, decided to purchase, pays
homage to the education I have received at this institution, but more importantly, it
symbolizes the personal growth I have experienced here, through the state-of-the-art
facilities which provide the medium for this great conversation. Through the interim
and study abroad programs, which have brought me to the world and helped me realize what
is truly important in life. Through the highest caliber of professors, who are model
citizens: Dr. Bass, Dr. Goldey, Dr. Hettes, Dr. Trakas, Dr. Mandlove, Dr. Davis,
Dr. Kusher, Dr. Pittman, Dr. Hill, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Bopp, Dr. Rayner, Dr. Bethea,
Dr. Abercrombie, Dr. Mathewson, Dr. McGehee, and a whole host of exemplary educators
who are dedicated to the students and this College.
I am also shaped through the people who are not professors, but show just as much love
if not more: “Dr.” Rita in the coffee shop, who revitalizes me sometimes simply with her
ever-cheerful presence rather than with the caffeine I purchase from her. Miss Cathy in
Burwell who always asks how my day is going, and always listens when I tell her more than
she wants to hear. Susan, who cleans the Milliken Science building, and is as excited as
I am about Pygopodid legless lizards. Jerry Lancaster, from maintenance, who constructed
professional-quality ant farms for my independent research. Bill Littlefield, who has
dealt with me as I have slowly tried to make this a greener campus. Officers Dwayne and
Cathy, who have gone out of their way to keep me safe when times have been less than pleasant.
Through the type of students that Wofford attracts, who have supported me, loved me, foolishly
gone on dates with me, tossed frisbees with me, hiked with me, skinned cats in lab, done projects
and papers with me, gone to conferences and concerts, helped me clean up my homemade biodiesel
messes, gone to dinner with me, and on very seldom occasions, had a beer with me. Through all
of the Deans, residence life staff, and President Dunlap for being open and supportive, and who
repeatedly dedicate themselves to Wofford.
And you too, Members of the Board, are also model citizens, who give so much yet ask so
little. Your humility and generosity help shape the lives of students so that we live out
the College creed, “shining with untarnished honor”, representing Wofford and this great
country alongside you as we enter into the realm of adulthood. And for this unselfish gift
that shapes our lives thus, we are forever grateful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Per gratia aeterna,
Zach Chillag
Wofford College Class of 2008
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