2016 Articles

Speech to the Fifty-Fifth Reunion of the Columbia College Class of 1961

Pollack, Robert

The document titled "Speech to the Fifty-Fifth Reunion of the Columbia College Class of 1961" by Robert Pollack reflects on his personal and professional journey since graduating from Columbia College. Pollack discusses the intersection of reason and faith in education, drawing on his experiences as a student, a scientist, and a dean. He shares stories from each decade of his life, illustrating key moments where he had to reconcile his intellectual understanding with the realities he observed. Pollack highlights the importance of humility, integrity, and ethical responsibility in both science and life, emphasizing the need to see beyond what we know and to recognize the complexities of the human condition. He concludes with advice on navigating life’s challenges, underscoring the value of listening, speaking truthfully, compromising on everything but principles, and seeking help when needed.