Tilghman bestows the Golden Broomstick to current seniors in days of yore. Ah, to be a freshman again! (Photo credit: Taylor Mallory, 2009).
Minutes after receiving President Tilghman’s email announcing her plans to retire as president, students took to Facebook and Twitter: “Say it ain’t so, Shirls!” wrote one. “But Shirley … NO!” And a contrary view: “This will be known in our history as the end of the Dark Ages, the conclusion of the War on Fun, and the beginning of the Frataissance.”
With her administration’s hard line on grade deflation, the freshman ban on rushing Greek organizations, and policies affecting the eating clubs, Tilghman made her share of controversial decisions. Through it all, her dedication to students, along with a college-friendly sense of humor — will anyone forget how she one-upped Steve Carell during Class Day in June with a “that’s what she said” joke? — have made her an indelible part of the Princeton experience.
Click here to read the full Press Club article about student responses to President Tilghman’s retirement in the Princeton Alumni Weekly.