We’ve been reflecting on these three words at the heart of Middlebury College’s new strategic plan—and how beautifully they resonate beyond the campus and into the town we all share. The College talks about its historic identity as “the town’s college” and about a joyful sense of purpose rooted in living, working and being together. That feels very familiar to us.
At the Better Middlebury Partnership/Experience Middlebury, so much of our work is about the same things, albeit on a very different scale.
Excellence can be found in caring about the details: our independent businesses, our public spaces, our events, our partnerships and how our downtown looks and feels.
Purpose is about understanding why those things matter. A thriving downtown creates connection, supports our local economy and gives people a sense that this is their community and a place where they belong.
And then there is joy. Perhaps that is the word that resonates with us most. Joy can sometimes sound frivolous, but it really isn’t. It’s the flowers, flags and lights. A mural appearing on a familiar wall. Music downtown on a summer evening. A busy sidewalk. A community celebration. Students and residents sharing the same spaces. The small moments that make people stop, smile, linger and feel good about where they live.
The College describes its ambition as being defined by what it is for, rather than what it is against. We rather love that.
Because when we think about Middlebury—the College and the town—we see two communities deeply connected by place. And there is something rather wonderful about imagining what can happen when we continue to work together with excellence, purpose and, importantly, joy.
Here’s to more of all three. ❤️