We faithfully reproduce Provost Vandergrind’s empathetic message to our students about EMPATHY:

Dear Willard College Scholars and Learnerers, There is no quality in a person greater, more magnificent, more wonderful, than EMPATHY. The word derives from the Greek to feel and absorb other’s pain. I want you to feel my pain today as I share how I showed our beloved President Henry Cotton EMPATHY as he was processing HIS pain about Cheryl Tina Fae Cotton’s recent arrest and indictment on racketeering and money laundering charges. Because I found my own empathy, I was able to patiently listen as President Cotton screamed at me for three hours about the abovementioned crisis and also the state of the college’s reputation, finances, and a series of possible indictments that members of the upper administration will likely face, along with several lawsuits by former faculty.

So my message to you Willard College scholars is DIG DEEP. BREATHE. Hold our beloved President and his dear wife in your hearts.

Have a great semester!