Greetings Salem! As I think about each of you entering the “virtual” classroom today and over the coming weeks, I know that you, like me, are re-thinking what is “usual” or “ordinary.” Much of what we face is new—and carries unexpected challenges with it. It is most certainly not boring.

And yet, there is much that is the same. Salem remains a community of learners and teachers who change and grow by the moment. We read together, discuss together, watch movies, and do experiments together. We take exams, solve problems, and write papers. Our classrooms are way stations en route to a better world.

In each moment, we strive to be the best we can be as individuals, AND we do it together. These days the phrase “together alone” reflects that combination of individual growth and strength in community that is Salem at our best.

We will each hit technical glitches and make mistakes. We will each run into “normal” problems and joys that are no longer boring but instead extraordinary—because our context has changed.

Those extraordinary moments will remind us why we do what we do.

In my case, yesterday I met a Salem sibling (C’17) who stood across a hotel lobby from me (long story) saying “Salem Strong! We can do this!”

And you know what, she was right.

As we change, we remain rooted in who we are as we strive to move forward. That is our leadership from everywhere.

I look forward to the stories of Spring 2020 that remind us every day of how we are each extraordinary and each a leader. We are strong because we are learners and doers “together alone.” We are strong because WE ARE SALEM.

Best to each of you

Susan Henking

Dean of the College

John Hutton is working on a series of small children’s books for the White House Historical Association, modeled on the old Golden Books series. He has finished all but four of the pictures for the first book, tentatively titled The Presidents and Sports. Presidents have always enjoyed sports in their spare time, from golf to sailing and horseshoes! John is just starting the second book in the series, a White House ABC.

Rosa D. Otero
Art, Art History and Design Department Chair

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827), one of the most recognized composers of all time. Although we often see historical figures as a compilation of facts on paper, their lives were as messy as our own. As we sit in our homes during the shelter-in-place order, I’m reminded that Beethoven was also forced to shelter in place.

Beethoven lived in Vienna, Austria and had a small but very close circle of friends. In 1809, he and his friends received word that Napoleon’s forces were about to invade Vienna. With very little time to prepare, his close friend Archduke Rudolph (1788–1831) had to flee the city on May 9, leaving behind his belongings and not knowing when he would be back. The bombardment began on May 11, and Beethoven was forced to take refuge in the cellar of his brother’s house, covering his ears with pillows to protect his failing hearing. Although the offensive only lasted a couple days, Archduke Rudolph was gone for eight months.

As a way of coping with Rudolph’s absence, Beethoven composed a piano sonata. His use of descriptive titles—Das Lebewohl (Farewell), Abwesenheit (Absence), and Wiedersehn (Return)—shows us how personal the music was for him. In fact, Beethoven insisted on the German text when French was usually used in publishing. He wrote in a letter that “[Lebe wohl] is said from the heart to one person alone, [Les adieux] is said to whole gatherings, whole towns.” The music reflects the wide range of emotions Beethoven was feeling, from melancholy to joy, and can still serve as a balm in troubled times, even today.

Amy E. Zigler
Assistant Professor of Music
Graduate Admissions Coordinator, School of Music
Salem College

March 27, 2020 should have marked the return of students from their Spring Break. Instead of clatter on the brick sidewalk, we were greeted with the new reality that COVID-19 has delivered in the form of conference calls and emails. 

Nationally, playoff action was halted for winter teams, and spring teams were met with an abrupt halt. In response to the measures set by the College, our staff prepared to finish this academic year remotely. Our spring teams did their best to give athletes a virtual send off and recognize achievement in their truncated season and the body of work contributed by the departing senior class. 

Director of Athletics Trish Hughes explains, “Sports have a great ability to unite people, and our teams represent the very best of Salem. There is no handbook on how to handle this situation, but I am grateful for our head coaches, who provide our student athletes support to the best of their abilities in areas beyond the field of competition. We look forward to being back on the field and cheering on our teams as soon as possible.” 

Staying relevant in a cluttered online landscape requires diligence and discipline. Our coaches have found new ways to strengthen team bonds and engage our prospects. Recognizing achievement on and off the playing field and reaching out to alumnae are just some of the ways we continue to build to keep Salem in the lights. Sustaining these relationships will help ensure that students will once again walk on the brick sidewalk. 

Jon Cole
Sports Communications & Marketing Director
Salem College