Stanley Prepares for Retirement
By Caleb Oken-Berg
Staff Writer

If you had asked Peter Stanley what he planned on doing after graduating from Harvard University in 1970, the self-described "shy" native of Syracuse, New York would probably have responded quietly, "something to do with history."

Thirty-three years later, Stanley is currently finishing up a twelve-year stint as President of Pomona College. With his departure, Stanley leaves the school with roughly $700 million more than before he arrived, a campus transformed by the construction of many brand new facilities, and a national reputation that is arguably the most successful in Pomona's 116 year history.

"I have a great sense of fulfillment," Stanley said. "I came here at a certain point in my life after having been a teacher, scholar, dean, and foundation officer. All of those things were wonderful, but they didn't pull everything together. [My presidency] was a wonderful opportunity to do that."

Stanley will give his final speech as president to the graduating class of 2003 at commencement on May 18. He will be replaced by Dr. David Oxtoby on July 1, who currently serves as Dean of Physical Sciences at the University of Chicago. Oxtoby, who was selected as Pomona's ninth president earlier this year by the Board of Trustees, says that he is honored and excited to succeed Stanley's presidency.

"He's been a strong and inspiring leader," Oxtoby said. "There has been a very positive feeling about what he has done for the college, and I think the college is in very good shape to make change because of Peter Stanley."

During his presidency, Stanley aimed to continue and improve upon Pomona's reputation as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the western half of the nation. One of his main goals was to insure that Pomona's academic program was top notch while making sure that the school remained unique.

"I believed we should be distinctive, not just a plain manila copy of a liberal arts college," he said.

The 63-year-old former Dean of Carleton College in Minnesota, used his time at Pomona to establish an administrative commitment to residence life. Stanley sees the role of a college such as Pomona as not one that is purely to educate, but as a combination of both living and learning and thus emphasizing a greater sense of community.

In part because of his successful fundraising efforts in the Campaign for Pomona College, Stanley has also supported the college's financial aid policies. While Pomona's comprehensive student fee will exceed $37,000 next year, Stanley insisted on maintaining a need-blind admissions process, and allowing students of all economic backgrounds to receive financial aid for 100 percent of their demonstrated need. Today, Pomona is one of only a handful of other schools across the nation that maintains such a policy.

Because of his many accomplishments, many current and former students alike are sad to see Stanley go. Brian Andrews '01, who served as ASPC President during his senior year at Pomona, was one of numerous students who worked closely with Stanley on a variety of issues surrounding campus life. Andrews says he appreciated Stanley's willingness to help out students, pointing to an example in his freshman year when Stanley personally attended and helped Andrews' residence hall throw a party to raise money for charity.

"President Stanley was the ideal for a small liberal arts college like Pomona: a true Renaissance man, knowledgeable in many areas with a deep commitment to the students and the college," Andrews said.

During his tenure at the college, Stanley was also well liked by both faculty and administrators. Vice President and Dean of Students Ann Quinley worked closely with Stanley during his time at Pomona, and says that many will be sad to see him leave, herself included.

"I think that I would be absolutely devastated that he was leaving except for that it is so obvious that he is thrilled to be moving to the next stage of his life," she said. "I think he's delighted to have more freedom and the opportunity to pursue his other interests."

Quinley described Stanley as an intelligent individual who has a sense of humor and an ability to see the light side of all circumstances. She also pointed out that although many students may believe the contrary, Stanley has a strong connection to all parts of Pomona.

"I think students see him as being more removed than he is," she said. "I'm never on campus at night that I don't run into him. He always knows what's written on Walker Wall, and often walks down past the Wash to the farm to see what's going on. I don't think students quite appreciate the depth of attachment he has to Pomona."

As president, Stanley worked to extend the college's relationship to the outside world. In particular, Stanley brought the Pacific Basin Institute's headquarters to Pomona, helping to build a strong connection to the Pacific Rim and Latin America.

In addition to expanding the college's global connections, International Relations and Politics Professor David Elliott says Stanley has served as an important advocate for faculty members' research and writing.

"Personally, Peter Stanley has had an impact on my scholarly career with timely support and encouragement," he said. Elliot pointed out that he has not been the sole benefactor of Stanley's support, but that the president consistently has encouraged other faculty members in their research as well. "Stanley has a good vision and keeps us focused on what a liberal arts college should be all about."

Stanley's focus both on interacting with the community and placing an importance in a solid residential college atmosphere has contributed to Pomona's relatively recent national prominence. Not only has the college consistently been ranked as one of the top liberal arts institutions in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, but it also boasts some of the country's most satisfied students. In 2002, Princeton Review rated Pomona as having the nation's "happiest students" out of 331 colleges and universities. Such a ranking proved that attitudes of students had dramatically changed since Stanley first arrived.

"When I first came here I thought the place seemed curiously joyless," Stanley said. "I always hoped that part of what we did would be actual fun, that people would remember that college was something you could actually unclench your teeth and enjoy."

Former co-chair of the Student Alumni Relations Committee Andrew Sheppard '99, saw Stanley as a leader who had both enthusiasm and sincerity.

"I can think of no better person to have led Pomona College over the last 12 years," said Sheppard, who also served as ASPC president while at Pomona. "President Stanley embodies the values of a liberal arts education and is an exemplar for us all."

After leaving Pomona, Stanley plans to take a sabbatical and move back home to Connecticut with his wife, Mary Jane, leaving the president's house on College Avenue to Oxtoby and his family. For at least a year, Stanley plans on studying American symphonic music and continuing his passion for the piano and other musical instruments.

When asked what Stanley will miss the most from his tenure here, he is quick to respond.

"It's as clear as day. It's the combination of working with students and being part of a community such as this," he said. "I will never be in a community that is largely defined by 1400 young brilliant people. You just can't get that any place else but on a college campus."