Opening Exercises may be the only time University students have seen President Shapiro, but many have definite — and varying — opinions on the departing president.
Some students said that with the conclusion of the capital campaign, it was only natural for Shapiro to announce his plans to step down. "It's good to leave on a high note," John Yi '03 said.
Others, however, said they wished Shapiro would stay on and lead Princeton toward some of the new goals he has set. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi '03 said he believes Shapiro's departure comes at an awkward time, and should be postponed until after the establishment of the sixth residential college. "One would always like to see a good administrator stay," he said.
Most undergraduates agreed that Shapiro has been a master fund raiser. Jessica Potts '03 said she thinks Shapiro has done an excellent job of increasing the school's endowment, as well as improving Princeton's aesthetic appeal. "Princeton's still a business," she said. "He's a very good businessman."
But not all saw Shapiro's capital campaign as a positive project for the school. "I am wary of perpetuating the belief that things are learned only through money," Justin Almeida '04 said.
Some criticized Shapiro's accessibility and said they felt ignored by the president because of his frequent fund-raising trips. Despite Shapiro's office hours and freshman seminar, many said they believe they did not have enough opportunities to interact with him. "Students should have at least the illusion that the president is available to them," Charles Nabrit '02 said.
Others disagreed with the way the University under Shapiro's leadership has been spending its extensive endowment. "I'm not really excited about all the expansion that's going on," Renee de la Torre '01 said, noting that constant construction has been going on throughout her four years at Princeton.
Some students also said they believe the University spent too much on buildings and athletics while asking academic departments to cut back on spending.
Despite the criticism, many students said they have directly benefited from the influx of capital under Shapiro's direction. The new Frist Campus Center, for example, provides a shiny new example of what Princeton has been doing with all its money.
Will Moore '04 said Frist is a wonderful addition to the campus. "You can sense the legacy that Shapiro is leaving," he said.
Shapiro's legacy does not rest only with new buildings, however.
His appointment of bioethicist Peter Singer showed the University community that Shapiro was willing to allow controversial opinions on campus.
"That was an important decision about the role of academia, and a good one," Marton Dornbach GS said.
Many student organizations also benefited from money they received from Shapiro's discretionary fund. De la Torre, a member of the women's club rugby team, said the team was able to attend the national championship tournament because of a grant from Shapiro.
Cautious optimism characterized most students' opinions about Princeton's future after Shapiro. Many students said they are worried the University will not be able to find a new president as active or supportive as Shapiro.
Others, however, believe Shapiro's imminent departure will be a time of opportunity. Nabrit said he hopes the new president will focus less on fund raising and more on student concerns.
Despite objections to specific aspects of Shapiro's term as president, most students said they would give him high marks for his overall performance. Many expressed sadness about his upcoming departure, but, as Marcos Gonzales '04 said, "He deserves to take time to have some fun."
Read More
Tigers for Israel, Chabad art installation raises questions about U. policy on symbolic structures
Miriam WaldvogelThe installation featured mock milk cartons bearing the names, ages, and pictures of hostages with the words “Hamas Kidnapped U.S. Citizens,” as well as a tall mural depicting Ariel Bibas, a child taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023. It may be the first test case of the University’s policy on symbolic structures following last spring’s ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment.’
The installation featured mock milk cartons bearing the names, ages, and pictures of hostages with the words “Hamas Kidnapped U.S. Citizens,” as well as a tall mural depicting Ariel Bibas, a child taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023. It may be the first test case of the University’s policy on symbolic structures following last spring’s ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment.’
Palestinian Studies Colloquium event discusses consequences of one year of war in Gaza
Sena ChangThe Department of Near Eastern Studies hosted the third-ever event in the Palestinian Studies Colloquium on Tuesday, Oct. 8, hosting Professor Nadia Abu El-Haj from Barnard College and Columbia University and Professor Raz Segal, associate professor of Holocaust and Genocide studies at Stockton University.
The Department of Near Eastern Studies hosted the third-ever event in the Palestinian Studies Colloquium on Tuesday, Oct. 8, hosting Professor Nadia Abu El-Haj from Barnard College and Columbia University and Professor Raz Segal, associate professor of Holocaust and Genocide studies at Stockton University.
Hurricane Milton hits home for Floridian students, jeopardizes fall break travel
Christopher Bao and Eojin ParkAfter Hurricane Milton hit Florida on Wednesday, Oct. 9, students from Florida experienced unexpected changes in travel plans and added stress during midterms week. University officials reportedly offered support and resources to affected students via email.
After Hurricane Milton hit Florida on Wednesday, Oct. 9, students from Florida experienced unexpected changes in travel plans and added stress during midterms week. University officials reportedly offered support and resources to affected students via email.
