From the Editor

Over the 12 years Shirley Tilghman has been president of Princeton, PAW has sat down with her for long interviews to mark every milestone: her appointment, at five years and 10 years, and most recently, as she prepares to step down and rejoin the faculty.

Those visits are memorable for many things — not least, her warm welcome and generosity with her time. We especially appreciate her willingness to address our more difficult questions openly. In her talks with us — the last was with PAW managing editor W. ­Raymond Ollwerther ’71 — President Tilghman spoke about the many leaps forward Princeton has taken over the last dozen years, but did not shy away from challenges: her disappointment when she felt compelled to reinstate an early-decision admission option, for example, and her frustration with the slow pace of increasing diversity in the faculty and graduate school.

Dean of the Faculty David Dobkin toasts President Tilghman at a faculty meeting.

PHOTO: DENISE APPLEWHITE/OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Professors toasted President Tilghman at the faculty meeting in April, offering a heartfelt thank-you that nearly brought the president to tears. Some of the professors noted personal qualities that made her stand out. Jeff Nunokawa (English) called her “one of the best friends that humanists have ever had”; Bill Jordan (history) recalled her “sumptuous hospitality”; Jim Sturm (electrical engineering) noted how she “went out of her way to be open and welcoming to all.”

We would like to add to that list her respect for alumni, evidenced by her willingness — displayed multiple times — to go to bat for PAW’s editorial independence and to discuss candidly the dilemmas at a great university as well as its successes.

We will miss her.