By now you know the routine: stand in line, wait until you get to the bartender, and trade money for the soda you want. You may be pleased with your choice, but Alex hums a disappointed note. "I remain interested in more alcohol."
You wander back to the Derby Room. Inside, people mill about while workers clear away tables in the center of the room. President Lewis and Dr. Pulham watch the band set up on the small stage.
Dr. Lewis sees you and waves you over. "Ah, Dr. .. I was hoping you would be here."
You're not going to snub the president. You walk over to him.
Dr. Lewis gestures to you. "Dr. Pulham, this is Bomomsay Clestenrogo .. He's one of our new faculty members."
"I remember." Janice Pulham is a White woman who's all angles and edges wrapped in a red bell-sleeved blouse and gray wool slacks. "Interdisciplinary History department, as I recall."
As the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Pulham oversees all of the academic departments. She's responsible for setting the college's academic vision and working directly with Dr. Lewis. More importantly for your future, she makes final tenure recommendations to the President.
"I had an excellent conversation with Bomomsay Clestenrogo at our new faculty luncheon," Dr. Lewis continues.
Thankfully the college president has good things to say about you to her.
Phew