Prof. Peggy Mason will deliver the Aims of Education address to the University of Chicago’s Class of 2029 during Orientation Week later this month at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. The annual event is part of a long-standing tradition at the university, dating back to 1961, where faculty members are invited to speak to incoming undergraduates about the purpose and value of their college education.
Mason, who has been with UChicago for 33 years, is a professor in the Department of Neurobiology and serves as director of the undergraduate minor in science communication and public discourse. She is recognized for her research on empathy and helping behavior in rats and has received the Quantrell Award for undergraduate teaching.
“They should know that the moment that they get uncomfortable is the golden moment when something could happen,” Mason said. “That is when they truly learn things.”
As she prepares her remarks for September 25, Mason reflected on what she would want if she were in the students’ position: “I asked myself: If I were in their shoes today, what would I want to get out of this experience at UChicago that I couldn’t get out of another situation?” Mason said. “The answer to me is that you get to experience being with this group of people in this environment. You can focus on learning, focus on ineffable questions and focus on continuing to push even when encountering discomfort.”
This year’s address will take place at 6:30 p.m. and will be available via webcast on the College’s Facebook page, YouTube, and the UChicago News website.
Mason was invited by Dean Melina Hale to give this year’s address. Although initially nervous about joining a select group of faculty who have delivered these talks over the decades, Mason found herself focusing instead on what incoming students are experiencing.
“These students are at the very cusp of their career here and they’re just so open,” said Mason. “Sure, they’re nervous but they're also excited, and I think it’s a nice UChicago tradition to take a step back and figure out why we do this little gig for four years.”
She emphasized that making time for intentional reflection during college is important: “At the end of the day, they are taking four years of the only life they have to come and be here,” Mason said. “So, is it worth an evening talking about how to think about those four years? I think it’s definitely worth that.”
This story first appeared on the UChicago College website.