University of Virginia Library

Shannon Leaving

the rule rather than the
exception. Student life has
endured the negative effects of
a larger university's loss of
personalization, but overall
student life has flowered.
Students have sought - and
have achieved - a more
significant role in the
governance of the University.

It has been Edgar Shannon
who has accepted the
appointment of students to
University committees. It has
been Edgar Shannon's
appointees - especially D. Alan
Williams - who have expanded
the role of students in areas of
student government and the
counseling programs.

The picture is not entirely
rosy, and it would be unjust to
paint it as such. Edgar Shannon
has never accepted the concept
of a University Senate which
would have a truly
representative membership (i.e.
students and employees, too).
Shannon's lieutenants have
sometimes been overbearing in
their dealings with students
and employees. Whether
Shannon knew of it or not, he
bears the responsibility for
programs such as the
blacklisting of persons for legal
political activities (more on
this later) and the refusal of
some of his appointees to meet
with student representatives
(Vice-President Shea, where are
you?). In some cases he has
allowed his committees to be
overly secretive (remember the
Expansion report fracas?).

In the final analysis,
though, we must accept
whatever human frailties exist
and examine the role of a
public person on a larger scale.
It is on this scale that Edgar
Shannon will be judged by
history and future members of
the University community.

On a larger scale, Mr.
Shannon presided over the
University during a period of
tremendous change. It is to his
enduring credit that the
University came through that
period and emerged as a better
institution.

Mr. Shannon's dedication
to the University is basic to his
Presidency. He has never
sought to place his own
interests above those of the
University. One may often
disagree with his policies, but
one cannot question his
intentions. He has led the
University through difficult
times.

Edgar, I wish you well.