Swarthmore’s president, Al Bloom, announced today that at the end of his next contract in August of 2009, he will be ending his service at president of the college.
This is a big deal for all of us. He’s the only president I’ve worked for at Swarthmore, having led the college for 17 years, three longer than I’ve been here. It is very hard for me to imagine what the place will be like without Al.
I know faculty are supposed to grouse about their presidents, but I think he’s done a consistently terrific job. Among other things, I’ve found his great enthusiasm for the college, its students, its faculty, its staff and its alumni to be completely charming and wholly sincere. I’m going to miss his leadership and presence.