Emeriti Professors Jane Cauvel and Bill Hochman: Change Struggles; Constancy Evolves

The one constant in life is change, especially at Colorado College, where classes last 3 1/2 weeks and a quarter of the student population is replaced every year. But emeriti professors Bill Hochman (history) and Jane Cauvel (philosophy) say that a willingness to change is one of the best aspects of the college, because it creates a healthy evolution — a struggle, really — toward an even stronger emphasis on the liberal arts. They have had a chance to witness how change has contributed to constancy over the decades: Hochman arrived on campus in 1955, Cauvel in 1960.

Q: Jane, you got here in 1960. That’s a long time ago!

Cauvel: I didn’t expect to stay longer than five years, but the opportunities to work with outstanding students, colleagues, and the support for interdisciplinary teaching and travel keep me challenged and excited.

Q: What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed over the years?

Cauvel: There are more women and minorities at the college. There’s also a greater number of students studying abroad — essentially a move from a Euro-centered institution to one with global interests and connections.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge you see in the college’s future?

Cauvel: CC is a great and dynamic institution. The challenge is to keep educating and preparing our students to take on constructive leadership positions in a dynamic and changing world.

Q: What was it like to transition to the Block Plan?

Cauvel: I voted against the Block Plan. I couldn’t imagine how to teach a philosophy course in 31¼2 weeks. [But] once I emphasized student initiative, participation, group work, and even some appropriate field trips, it went well. I’m sure the students and I both learned more than we had under the semester system.

Q: Any favorite moments stick out in your mind?

Cauvel: In chain-gang fashion, the entire college community hand-passed books from the old Colburn Library (now the location of Armstrong Hall) across campus to the new Tutt Library — all day — in May 1962. It was great fun and constructive.

Q: Let’s switch gears for a minute. Jane, what’s the meaning of life?

Cauvel: Fortunately, we don’t know and hence keep seeking. However, what is most important is the meaning we give to life, and what and how we should do it.