July 13, 2001

We Need Excellence Beyond the Classroom

By BRENT D. RUBEN

Just before graduation day, a student and his family gathered eagerly around the dining-room table to open a letter from the university that the student attended. The student began to read to all assembled what they hoped would be a note of congratulations from the dean.

The letter read: "Dear Student, Your diploma will be withheld because of an outstanding parking violation. In order to receive your diploma, you are required to first satisfy this obligation." It was signed "The