As an educator, the change of seasons from summer to fall is always invigorating because it marks the beginning of another academic year.
Welcome to all new faculty, staff and students and welcome back to everyone returning to campus. I had the pleasure of welcoming a very enthusiastic group of new students and their families to the U of L at the annual Commencement ceremony on Monday. It was exciting to invite them into our community and I trust that as you encounter those who are new to our campus this fall that you will take the time to help them feel comfortable and a part of our family.Thank you to all faculty members, staff and students who helped out with the many activities on Monday and Tuesday, many of who in doing so gave up part of their long weekend. This event gets better and better each year!
To kick off the new semester, we have a couple more great events lined up, beginning with the ever-popular Welcome Back BBQ. Scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15 at noon on the Students’ Union patio, this is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get together to connect and reconnect after the summer break.
Early next month, I’ll be presenting the annual Fiat Lux Address (Wednesday, October 7). This is an opportunity to discuss some of the most pertinent issues facing the University of Lethbridge at this time, as well as to look ahead at the future direction of the U of L.I hope to see many of you there, and as always it will be live streamed for those not able to attend in person, including those on our northern campuses. Later this fall, I will also meet with all faculty councils and major administrative departments and look forward to connecting with faculty and staff.
This is an extremely promising time for the University. We are welcoming one of the largest groups of incoming students in our history, a number of new programs and initiatives are being launched and preparations continue to move ahead for the construction of the Destination Project, the most significant and transformational undertaking since the U of L came into existence in 1967.
There is much to celebrate as the academic year begins, from Freshfest to Club Rush Week to the opening of our Pronghorn teams’ athletic schedules and the onset of the always-provocative fine arts season. I invite you to take part and explore the many opportunities that are available.
Look around, recognize the new people on campus and offer a welcoming hand to assist them as they begin their U of L experience. It promises to be an excellent year.