Schools

Ursinus College President Bobby Fong Meets PV School Board

Fong identifies strengthening community relationships as one of his long-term goals for the college.

Noting that they were deviating from the traditional student and staff recognitions that are usually conducted at the beginning of Perkiomen Valley School Board business meetings, board Vice President Lori Snyder introduced new president, . "In anticipation" of the work he will be doing with the community, Snyder noted.

In his brief speech to the board and meeting attendees, Fong said education was "the royal road to opportunity" for him and his family. Growing up, his parents emphasized the importance of focusing on -- and excelling in -- academics. His mother was a gentler "Tiger Mother," he said, to the amusement of those present, but still, nothing less than an "A" was acceptable. Fong was told filling his mind with knowledge was more important than filling his home with goods.

Present-day students' future successes depend on what they can create and the skills they acquire, he said, and noted that young people will be working jobs "that don't yet exist."

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In addition to providing Ursinus' students with an education that will serve them well throughout their lives, Fong said part of his plan is to improve town-gown relations with the community (i.e. Collegeville Borough and the Perkiomen Valley School District). He said board member Randy Bennett has already accepted his part in improving that relationship.

We look forward to that collaboration, board President Lynn Bigelow said.

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