Looking back as we look ahead
In this Issue: John Keats’ “To Autumn” read by the late Dr. Ed Wilson (’43)
Due to Inauguration activities, this is a pre-post
Today is the Inauguration of President Peter Rodriguez. All through the day there are events: an academic symposium, a luncheon for alumni representatives and dignitaries representing our state and other universities, the installation ceremony at 3 p.m. in Wait Chapel, and the Community Celebration in the evening.
As I think about how the campus and the larger Wake Forest universe will welcome President Rodriguez formally into the role of president, there is a voice I wish was still here to be in that welcome party: the man generations of alumni referred to as “Mr. Wake Forest,” the late and much beloved Dr. Edwin G. Wilson (’43), Provost Emeritus and Professor of English.
If you went to college, you might remember with fondness your campus’ Legendary Professor: the person whose classes you were dying to get in, because they had a rare combination of passion for their subject, passion for connecting with young people, and great kindness or charm. At Wake Forest, that Legendary Professor was Dr. Wilson.
He was a professor in the department of English, specializing in British romantic poetry; later he was our Provost. When you walked into his class, the blackboard had quotes from poems, written in his beautiful cursive. During class, he’d read the full poems in his gentlemanly Southern drawl. His voice was warm, rich, and expressive. Perfect for poetry.
Dr. Wilson taught more than English: he taught by example. He said often that the spirit of Wake Forest was “friendliness and honor” – and he exemplified both. So much of what I know about how to be a good Wake Forester, I learned from him.
Since Dr. Wilson cannot be with us on this historic day, at least he can join us through his voice. Many years ago, he recorded John Keats’ “To Autumn” and the recording was paired with autumn views on campus. As we look ahead to the bright future of Wake Forest under President Rodriguez’s leadership, may we take a moment to look back and hear the voice of a man who was such an integral part of making Wake Forest a place we all love.