TO THE EDITOR:
I am responding to the April 16 letter “Is Chancellor Folt a Hypocrite?” with important context for Chancellor Carol Folt’s absence at Phi Beta Kappa’s ceremony. On behalf of the chancellor, I would like to extend her congratulations to the newest members of Phi Beta Kappa for their academic achievements at the highest level. April is the busiest month at Carolina for award ceremonies and end-of-year celebrations, and chancellor Folt receives hundreds of invitations from campus and community organizations. Although she attends as many events as her calendar permits, she cannot make them all.
On Monday, the Phi Beta Kappa ceremony that began at 4 p.m. conflicted with two events she attended at the Student Union: the Undergraduate Research Symposium, which showcased the outstanding work of more than 140 undergraduates, and an open house sponsored by the Student Advisory Committee to the Chancellor that offered the opportunity for students to ask questions of chancellor Folt and discuss their thoughts about Carolina. That evening she visited with students at UNC Hillel for a Passover Seder before attending the Rammy Awards, which honored our students-athletes’ accomplishments in the classroom and in competition. The timing of the Rammy Awards did not conflict with the Phi Beta Kappa ceremony.
Chancellor Folt is proud of all of our students and makes every effort to recognize and celebrate their success.
Joel Curran
Vice Chancellor for Communications and Public Affairs
