Southern Vermont College

Snow on the gate at Everett Mansion. photo by Alan Nyiri.

As we approach the start of the spring 2010 semester on Jan. 19th, I keep wondering why we (and other academic institutions) call it “spring semester.” At least in Vermont, where we are, it is hardly spring. Indeed, in Vermont, spring does not arrive until April – and that is when our spring semester is about to end.

Cynics among us might argue that we name it as a means of encouraging spring’s early arrival, as a form of wishful thinking. Perhaps for some but not so for me.

I adore winter. I like the cold. I like it when snow falls. I like winter sports (both the ones I do and the ones I watch.) I like the winter Olympics too. I like the way the snow sticks to the trees and other surfaces, and I adore the way our campus looks during the winter months.

So, to our students and staff, welcome back to SVC. Enjoy the start of the “spring” semester and your new courses. And of course, bundle up to stave off the cold, drive carefully and ski and snowboard safely. And, if you get cold and damp on your way to the Mansion, stop by my office where, from time to time, there is a fire in the fireplace to warm the body and encourage the soul.