For 26 years I've started the new year by attending the Council on Independent College Presidents Institute, the largest annual meeting of college and university presidents in the country. In addition to providing a forum for candid discussion of critical issues, it provides an opportunity to connect with old friends. Pictured with long time friends and colleagues: (top picture) Bryon Grigsby, President of Moravian College and Theological Seminary, and Tom Ingram, President-emeritus of the Association of Governing Boards. (Bottom) Allen Splete, President-emeritus of the Council of Independent Colleges, and Marylouise Fennell, former President of Carlow University and Senior Counsel at CIC.