A Farewell To Dr. Judy Bonner | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

A Farewell To Dr. Judy Bonner

In 2012, the University of Alabama appointed the university's first female president, Dr. Judy Bonner, or J.Bo, a nickname students have lovingly given her over the three years she has been here. Recently she announced her successor will be Dr. Stuart Bell from LSU. Before she leaves there are a few things we would like to say to her.

92
A Farewell To Dr. Judy Bonner

Dear Dr. Bonner,

Earlier this year when you announced you would be stepping down as university president, my heart broke. You have been a big presence on our campus, something other colleges aren't lucky enough to have.

In my two years at Alabama, we have had some exciting, interesting and scary times, but through it all, you have been there for all 36,000 of us. From cancelling school on snow days to your video with Bill Cosby, we have looked to you for leadership and guidance. You have never failed us, and we have a lot to thank you for.

Thank you for letting us call you J.Bo.

We promise the nickname is out of love. Dr. Bonner seems very formal for such a friendly figure on campus. Your nickname is much more than a term of endearment. You are not a omniscient presence looming over campus- you're a friend to students, faculty, and staff alike.

Thank you for understanding the uncertainty and anxiety that comes along with Pendragongate 2014.

Thank you for the snow days.

Thank you for knowing that we are just college students learning to grow up.

It is hard to always make the right decision for 36,000 students plus faculty and staff, but I think you always put the students and faculty first. During the days when Arthur Pendragon anonymously loomed over our campus, you understood we were frightened.

When temperatures hit below freezing, and snow fell around Denny Chimes, you knew we needed a (well-deserved) snow day. Canceling school was probably not your first choice, but we definitely appreciated it.

Thank you for being just as proud of us as we are of you.

No matter what occurred on this campus while you were here, you managed to keep our heads high. You always let us know that we truly make up the Capstone.

Never once have you laid down a disciplinary hand on us. You strive to work with your students, making sure to create a middle ground between the students and yourself, as well as the rest of the leadership at Alabama.

Whether it was a crippling football loss or bad weather, you helped keep our heads high. Not only have you supported us in the bad times, but you have made the good times better.

You led our school to record breaking numbers with enrollment, graduation, retention rates, and smiles.

So all in all thank you for your years of service to our university. You will always have a home in the University of Alabama and in our hearts. It's not a goodbye, but a "see you later and roll tide."

Sincerely,

Your Students

Here's a throwback to when Dr. Bonner was officially named university president. #blessed.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

25853
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10806
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7978
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments