Parent to Parent

If your student is a member of the class of 2006, you were deep into the college-selection process at this time four years ago. Academic programs, global education, campus opportunities and an exciting collegiate atmosphere all may have been factors in influencing your student’s decision. We were pleased with our son’s choice to attend Dickinson.

As the class of 2006 approaches graduation, it is clear that our students have faced challenges and succeeded. The growth and development we have seen over the last four years is proof positive.

We saw our students get involved with athletics, activities, music groups, Greek life and other organizations. They declared majors and became parts of the college, each in their own unique ways. As junior year approached, many students left campus to “engage the world.” The cities of Beijing, Málaga and Toulouse—to name a few—became classrooms to expand and explore concepts previously confined to lecture and text. Upon returning to Carlisle, reflections on travels provided insights for senior-research projects, theses, internships and performances. As unique as our students, these capstone programs captured and expressed four years of accomplishment.

After graduation, our sons and daughters will leave Dickinson to enroll in graduate programs, begin careers in the work force or join the military. They leave this school able to think, write and speak clearly; well prepared for the future.

But what of Dickinson College? It has done its job. The faculty, staff and administration have sustained founder Benjamin Rush’s vision of a lifelong pursuit of a “useful and progressive education that yields to reason, justice and common sense.” As parents of new alumni, we need to continue to support the vision of this institution by participating in the Dickinson Volunteer Network and by contributing to the Parents’ Fund and the Annual Fund. We must rise to the challenge of President Durden to “willingly accept the responsibilities that come with being a Dickinsonian—fulfilling them will be their own reward.”

To our sons and daughters, we say congratulations. We look forward to seeing the members and families of the class of 2006 at Commencement Weekend, May 19-21.

Eric and Sandi Hakanson
Parents Council Chairs
Parents of Eric ’06