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Their eagerness and openness to learn about Hamline is similar to Hanson’s after her appointment. During our intitial interviews with the then-candidates, each was earnest in their desire for Hamline’s institutional knowledge.

David Stern’s role on campus is unique. As he described in his most recent interview, his lengthy title (vice president of academic and student affairs, a whopping 15 syllables) implies the vastness of his university-wide influence in academics and student services. Underneath Hanson, Stern is arguably Hamline’s most powerful staff member. And he is wise to recognize and respect this power.

“There’s a lot of work to be done to get Hamline University to function as a university and not just a collection of discrete units that have their own histories and own cultures,” Stern said.

What remains to be seen is just how Stern will go about this. Perhaps he will begin as Hanson did when she gathered the staff and faculty at last year’s convocation. It would be a keen move to use the Sept. 8 convocation to build rapport with his new colleagues. We would suggest that Stern and all the new administrators introduce themselves to the incoming first year class, and make their presence know to the first year law students who have already been on campus since mid-August.

Last May, Fernando Delgado said “I’m looking forward to re-engaging with students.” Herein lies the challenge. Davenport ate most of his lunches in Sorin, and was always greeted people with a smile. As dean of the CLA, that same eagerness must be present in Delgado’s everyday activities.

Ultimately, their connected focus is the student body, an odd mixture of intellectuals that the university is training to think independently. These thoughts hold valuable insights into what we the students believe is the spirit of Hamline, the drive that keeps the alarm clock ringing in our ears in the morning.

Welcome to Hamline University.