The post-Winter Bonus weekend period often feels like watching time-lapse photography of our campus – a blur of motion as students race between classes, games and competitions, rehearsals, and other commitments. In studios and theaters, art students prepare for end-of-term exhibitions and performances. On the basketball court and in the hockey rink, athletes push their limits. At various times in between, students propel clubs and activity groups forward and advocate for communities in need during assembly announcements. Students show up for each other – whether cheering in the Field House, at the Teddy Maloney Rink, along the slopes of the Proctor Ski Area, or, as they undoubtedly will in a few short days, in the Norris Family Theater in support of the cast and crew of Little Shop of Horrors. Student leaders run assemblies with purpose, organize Winter Carnival week with creativity, and work thoughtfully to nurture a culture of being present, physically, with each other. Within this whirlwind of activity lies a deeper story about culture.
Recently, I was reminded of the Theseus Paradox, the Ancient Greek story about the 30-oar vessel belonging to King Theseus, when reading a post from GapingVoid. The ship remained seaworthy for generations because its crew would replace or repair each worn plank, each weathered oar, and each aging mast as required. Eventually, no original pieces remained, yet the ship kept serving its original purpose. This paradox mirrors our own community's lifecycle. Each year, our seniors graduate, and we welcome approximately one hundred new students and their families into the community. How do we sustain our community's values and traditions as new members enter? The answer lies in how each student, faculty, and staff member carries forward the work of those before them – and how they understand, participate in, and evolve a living culture.
This living culture manifests in countless daily actions, often in moments we might miss if we do not pay close attention. Our Ski Area Crew tends to the slopes and trails with a dedication that has made the Proctor Ski Area one of New England's premier snow sports training facilities. Last weekend's Ski Area Celebration showcased this commitment – with perfect snow conditions and record attendance speaking volumes about the power of community coming together around a shared passion. This celebration – now in existence for almost two decades – is also a testament to the importance of ritual and tradition in sustaining culture.
A "culture of caring" reaches far beyond the Ski Area. In addition to keeping all of us fed with healthy, nutritious food, I have witnessed our Dining Services accommodate students' dietary needs, making them feel truly at home. Our facilities team continuously battles winter storms to keep our paths safe, while our housekeeping staff works to keep our spaces clean and welcoming. Our Health Center and Counseling teams tend to our community's well-being at all hours, and our athletics department ensures all student-athletes can safely compete and excel.
The Finance and Development teams steward Proctor's resources with careful attention while our admissions team thoughtfully builds each incoming class. And, as we witnessed this past Friday and Saturday, the Board of Trustees not only provides oversight – they steward Proctor's resources and strategic vision, ensuring our educational model remains accessible for generations to come. Finally, our PAPA volunteers partner with Student Life to create memorable activities throughout the winter – PAPA On Ice, Casino Night, the Ski Area Celebration, and the Snowball.
Small actions create lasting norms. Values drive behavior. Together, they represent a living culture that's both enduring and evolving. Like Theseus' ship, our community renews itself while maintaining its essential character – through daily acts of showing up, engaging fully, together, and caring deeply. The next time you move through campus, pause to notice these countless small acts that build culture, plank by plank.
Check Out More Photos from the Ski Area Celebration
- Community and Relationships
- Events
- Proctor on Snow