A Note From Dean Joe Alber I had an interesting challenge from a fraternity earlier this semester. They invited me to give a speech at an evening event on campus on any topic of my choosing provided I make the speech both interesting and entertaining. Their "entertainment" requirement eliminated the possibility of my discussing the twelve steps for designing and implementing a computer system or the relative merits of cable versus DSL for delivering broadband network services to the home. While I find both topics entertaining, I had to concede that bandwidth banter might possibly bore my audience. After reflecting on my assignment, I decided to talk about a personal interest in my life that's a bit more extreme - skydiving. Yes, skydiving. I've enjoyed the thrill of jumping out of airplanes for 37 years and have amassed more than 1,800 jumps. So I compiled some "entertaining stories" and, with the aid of some great video clips, set out to share my skydiving experiences. He glides through the air -- CBPA Dean Joe Alber skydiving. The audience seemed to like my presentation, but many of the young faces bore a somewhat stunned expression. I wasn't sure why. Perhaps they found it hard to imagine that someone who wore a suit with a white handkerchief in the breast pocket to work every day would jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Or perhaps the theme of the speech, that students should try to apply the same level of intensity found in skydiving to their work habits, was too big a stretch for them. Whatever the reason, I was reminded once again how often students are introduced to novel ideas and experiences in college. Students have a weekly smorgasbord of plays, musical performances, speakers, athletic events and other activities from which to choose. This is on top of an already full schedule of academic-related activities. In the College of Business and Public Administration, professors employ many forms of pedagogy in their courses. In addition to lectures, there are case studies, guest speakers, field trips and various forms of experiential learning. Many students supplement these with internships and study abroad. All of these experiences, whether they occur inside or outside the classroom, are intended to educate students. Wherever the learning occurs, students leave Drake exposed to many more ideas and experiences than when they entered. With this accumulated knowledge they are prepared to confront the challenges that lie ahead. The job placement rate for students from this College who graduated in May 2000 was 99%. These students will have successful careers because of what they learned at Drake - whether they acquired that knowledge in class, at an internship, or from someone like me who happens to adorn his suits with white handkerchiefs and jumps out of airplanes on weekends.
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