To the Editor:
I join my voice to those who are paying tribute to former Dartmouth President, James O. Freedman ("Freedman's Lasting Legacy," May 11).
One of Freedman's concerns that flew largely "under the radar" of public awareness was his unflagging support of religious life on campus. He saw it as key to human integration and well-being.
On one occasion, Freedman devoted an entire day to our meeting of Ivy League Catholic chaplains. (I was fortunate to be the director of Aquinas House, the Catholic Student Center at Dartmouth, throughout his presidency.) In the morning, he laid out his vision of liberal education. In the afternoon, he reflected on how our particular ministry fit into that vision. In the evening, he discussed how we, as chaplains, could bring the Catholic heritage fruitfully to bear on the educational mission of Dartmouth and other similar institutions of higher learning. It was a day I shall never forget. All of us realized that his generous commitment of time was a demonstration of his conviction about the importance of spirituality in student life. All of us were struck by his candor. All of us were challenged and enriched by his insights. All of us saw how deeply he cared about Dartmouth and its students.
At the end of the day, Freedman declined to accept any honorarium. He told me that he would prefer those resources to be expended for the benefit of students. Dartmouth College: A great and caring man has walked among you.
