Wilmington College faculty, staff kick off new academic year with musical testimonials to the Dub-C experience

Wilmington College is riding a wave of optimism as it starts its 154th academic year with fall semester classes on Monday (Aug. 19). WC finished last year with a balanced budget and “gold standard,” 10-year re-accreditation and is beginning the new term with anticipated enrollment growth, a new strategic plan and a renewed commitment to, as the College’s mission states, “preparing, educating and inspiring students for lives of service and success.”

President Corey Cockerill addressed faculty and staff Tuesday (Aug. 13) at the institution's annual Opening Year Meeting, at which new employees were introduced, service milestones recognized and an eclectic mix of songs was played, each exemplifying a slice of the College’s ethos and distinctiveness.

Bob Dylan’s classic, “Forever Young,” features such profound lyrics as, “May you grow up to be righteous. May you grow up to be true. May you always know the truth. And see the light surrounding you.” Cockerill noted, “The College nurtures the potential of each student.”

Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” is a “powerful anthem of perseverance and hope,” she said. While Lennon & McCartney’s “With a Little Help from My Friends” is self-explanatory, Joe Cocker’s soulful version hammers home the “importance of community and mutual support,” she added.

Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” brings the notion to the forefront that, as Cockerill noted, “We are more than a college of students, faculty, staff and alumni, we are family. We embrace life with passion and purpose and authenticity.”

There are others — in fact, Cockerill created an extensive Wilmington College playlist that exists on Spotify — but Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me” offers “the essence of our Quaker values, community support and compassion,” the president said. The 1972 classic features the lyrics: “Lean on me when you're not strong and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on. For it won't be long ’til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on.”

“Today is my 5,853rd day at Wilmington College, and I can say, I’ve never done anything alone. There’s always somebody to lean on,” she added. “These tunes offer reflections of our spirit and aspirations, dedication and unwavering belief in each member of our College community.”

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