2008 Woodie Awards
Q & A with President Goldfarb (6/25/08)
Joshua Jefferson
Issue date: 7/2/08 Section: News
President Al Goldfarb is perhaps the most recognized figure on the Western Illinois University campus. In his time here, he has become as synonymous with the university as a phone call from Leathernecks football coach Don Patterson come game day. The Western Courier recently conducted an interview with President Goldfarb, which yielded some valuable insight into Western's top administrator.
Western Courier: What does Western Illinois University's top administrator do during the summer? Are these normal duties for the president of a university, or are you going above and beyond? We assume you relax from all of your world-saving.
Al Goldfarb: "During the summer, I spend a good deal of time working with the vice presidents on planning for the coming academic year as well as working on budgeting issues. I continue to attend many community and university events. For example, there are many alumni events scheduled during the summer that I attend. We continue to fundraise. I also have many additional professional obligations and professional meetings during the summer. I believe that these are the expectations of all university presidents."
WC: It seems like what you do involves a lot of travel, so you most rack up a lot of frequent flier miles. Do you plan to cash them in? If so, does it have to be for university-related matters, or is there the flexibility to take a vacation?
AG: "While I travel a good deal, most of my travel is in-state. I put a good deal of mileage on my car attending events around the state. I also try to use Amtrak when my schedule allows. I do not accumulate that many frequent flyer miles on university travel since I use different airlines and I always try to find the least expensive fares. I have a reputation for being a very cost-conscious traveler."
WC: In addition to running a little place known as Western, you also teach in the theatre department. Do you wish you could teach a bit more, or do you feel you have struck a balance?
AG: "I always wish that I could teach more than I do since I am passionate about teaching theatre history. I have taught throughout my administrative career both at Illinois State and at Western. I stay in touch with my many former students. For example, during a recent trip to New York City, I met with a number of my students who were working in the New York theatre. Given the demands of my administrative positions, I believe that I have struck a balance."
WC: What do you do when you have some time off? Any hobbies?
AG: "I read a great deal. I watch DVDs and attend films. And, of course, I am a passionate theatergoer."
All students look forward to summer break. It can be said that teachers and professors look forward to it more, but it's comforting to know that the fate of Western lies in the capable and amicable hands of President Goldfarb all year long.
Western Courier: What does Western Illinois University's top administrator do during the summer? Are these normal duties for the president of a university, or are you going above and beyond? We assume you relax from all of your world-saving.
Al Goldfarb: "During the summer, I spend a good deal of time working with the vice presidents on planning for the coming academic year as well as working on budgeting issues. I continue to attend many community and university events. For example, there are many alumni events scheduled during the summer that I attend. We continue to fundraise. I also have many additional professional obligations and professional meetings during the summer. I believe that these are the expectations of all university presidents."
WC: It seems like what you do involves a lot of travel, so you most rack up a lot of frequent flier miles. Do you plan to cash them in? If so, does it have to be for university-related matters, or is there the flexibility to take a vacation?
AG: "While I travel a good deal, most of my travel is in-state. I put a good deal of mileage on my car attending events around the state. I also try to use Amtrak when my schedule allows. I do not accumulate that many frequent flyer miles on university travel since I use different airlines and I always try to find the least expensive fares. I have a reputation for being a very cost-conscious traveler."
WC: In addition to running a little place known as Western, you also teach in the theatre department. Do you wish you could teach a bit more, or do you feel you have struck a balance?
AG: "I always wish that I could teach more than I do since I am passionate about teaching theatre history. I have taught throughout my administrative career both at Illinois State and at Western. I stay in touch with my many former students. For example, during a recent trip to New York City, I met with a number of my students who were working in the New York theatre. Given the demands of my administrative positions, I believe that I have struck a balance."
WC: What do you do when you have some time off? Any hobbies?
AG: "I read a great deal. I watch DVDs and attend films. And, of course, I am a passionate theatergoer."
All students look forward to summer break. It can be said that teachers and professors look forward to it more, but it's comforting to know that the fate of Western lies in the capable and amicable hands of President Goldfarb all year long.
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