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Just a Thought

By Al Jepson (MDiv '58)

A vignette in a monograph by Jim Collins, Good to Great and the Social Sectors, relates an encounter he had with John Gardner, founder of Common Cause. Collins queried Gardner on how he, as a first-year professor at Stanford University, could "become a better teacher." Gardner's reply "stung" him:

"It occurs to me, Jim, that you spend too much time trying to be interesting... why don't you invest more time being interested?"

This retort started me thinking, as a member of the Alumni/ae Council:

  • It is interesting to come to campus twice a year and see new buildings and improved facilities firsthand.
  • It is interesting to have plans described for the new Hubbard Library.
  • It is interesting to hear about the vision for a Worship and Arts program.
  • It is interesting to see demonstrated fantastic online options for courses.
  • It is interesting to learn about the generosity of board members and friends.
  • It is interesting to listen to President Mouw describe how Fuller has become a "gathering place" for civil discussions on some of today's most vexing and controversial problems.
  • It is interesting to hear stories of how God is working through graduates ministering in diverse vocations in many areas of the world.
  • And it is interesting, as one nearing retirement, to hear representatives from the Fuller Foundation describe how one can (at an appropriate age) earn an effective 9.1% on a gift annuity.

Interesting? Yes! Great things? Yes! But Gardner's words--"Why don't you invest more time being interested?"--still challenge.

Am I interested enough to recommend any of Fuller's schools to a prospective student?

Am I interested enough to pray for the faculty, administration, staff, and students?

Am I interested enough to visit the campus to see what is happening?

Am I interested enough to invest some of our financial resources to help further the mission of Fuller?

Am I really interested, or is Fuller's status in the world merely interesting?

Just a thought.