UNC Bucket List is a feature highlighting the 100 things students should attempt before they graduate. Check out the full bucket list and all previous Bucket List posts here.
I wanted to know what all of the hype was about.
Yesterday I completed #81 of the UNC bucket list and introduced myself to UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp.
As we all know, Chancellor Thorp will be resigning at the end of the 2013 school year, so I could not think of a better item to cross off the UNC bucket list.
I decided to make the move, knowing it was a long shot, around 2 a.m. when I shot Thorp an email explaining what I wanted to accomplish.
I was elated to wake up the next morning with a response – we were to meet at 3 p.m. at his office in South Building.
The introduction got off to a rocky start. Immediately after Thorp and I shook hands, he jumped to the question, “So — what do you need to ask me?”
It was not until that moment that I processed the truly bizarre nature of my request. I genuinely had nothing to ask him, and only wanted to meet him and have a conversation for about five minutes. I wanted to be able to meet the man that students have encouraged over the past weeks to keep his position.
After I constructed a poor response and a half-hearted apology for not having a real purpose for this meeting other than my article, Thorp opened the door to his office.
I could feel that I was in the presence of a true intellectual who also had a profound sense of humor. As Thorp showed me his office, I commented on the plethora of photographs he was in with distinguished persons such as President Barack Obama. Thorp then mentioned that he met one of the lead singers of the Four Seasons just the other day.
When I gave him a blank stare and a laugh, Thorp decided to humor me and sing the chorus of “Sherry,” which immediately triggered my recognition of the song.
I then made a mental note to become more familiar with early 1960s pop bands before I next meet with the chancellor of a prominent university.
After leaving my brief meeting with Chancellor Thorp, I finally understood why some people have been so outspoken against his resignation.
I find Thorp to be brilliant. I have followed the events of Thorp’s resignation, and while I understand the reasoning for his resignation, there is a part of me that will always wonder what also would have accomplished as chancellor at UNC.
It is my hope that Thorp will channel this brilliance into whatever he next decides to pursue. I have no doubt that after meeting the man himself in person that he will.
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