Dear Faculty and Staff,
It is wonderful to be in gear for the start of the upcoming semester, and to see students returning to campus – among them, participants in the new B.O.N.D. (“Beginning Our New Direction”) program for in-coming first years, some of the members of a strong freshman class. One of the joys of working on a college campus is to see, each year, a new cohort of young people discover Longwood for the first time, and set off on the great journey that lies ahead.
I hope to see many of you tomorrow at the President’s Welcome Address and Luncheon. As a reminder, per the usual custom, I’ll give some welcoming remarks in Jarman Auditorium at 11 a.m. Also per tradition, three annual parking passes will be awarded. A buffet lunch will follow in the Lee Grand Dining Room at noon.
As this new academic year commences, I draw energy from the talents, energy and sense of purpose our faculty and staff bring to their work with our students. In recent years we have come to appreciate more than ever the value of togetherness, and of genuine camaraderie in pursuit of a noble mission. The ceremonies that mark the start of the academic year are a moment to honor that camaraderie, and to help pass it forward to those students, faculty and staff new to Longwood.
Thank you for all of the work underway to make this coming year a success, and I hope to see you tomorrow and over the weeks ahead.
TR