As a student and then a faculty member, I have been privileged to spend most of my life on university campuses. Learning, teaching, and leading in higher education has been deeply fulfilling for me. I can always find joy at Penn and in our amazing community.
This joy has been top of mind for me as the new academic year begins. I saw and felt it myself during Move-In last week. Moving carts were coming and going in all directions (1,100 carts total, I was interested to learn). Every family I met was energized. I heard many times how organized and helpful the Penn team was, and of course, the pride of parents was evident. I remember these feelings well from moving my own children into college.
Our beautiful campus never takes a break, even during summer. This fast-paced cycle moves quickly from New Student Orientation to Convocation to the first day of classes, the return of our graduate and professional students, faculty revving up their classes and welcoming new people to their labs, student-athletes drilling on our fields, courts, and the Schuylkill—all of this brings renewal and an incredible uptick in energy.
In the coming year, students will encounter many new concepts and share their own ideas and experiences. Some will unexpectedly find a new interest, as I did as an undergraduate. Lifelong friends will be made. Faculty will continue to expand the frontiers of knowledge further than at any other time in history. Our thousands of alumni, here and abroad, will use their skills and passions for major impact. Each has an amazing story that they often trace to Penn. We will heal patients, enrich lives, and serve the world.
Along with these inspiring elements, we also know that this is a challenging time for higher education. I am confident, however, that we will listen to concerns and adapt as needed. I am also rightly proud of our University, and we will champion everything Penn does to bring value to individuals and to society. Everyone here is part of these exceptional contributions. We all carry the culture that has sustained this institution over decades and through previous challenges. Keep it up and keep finding joy in what we are here to do.
I look forward to being in touch throughout the year to share updates on how Penn will continue to lead far into the future. I am excited for everything we will achieve together. I hope you feel the same way. Welcome to a new year at Penn.