With the first few days of classes officially in the books, I hope you are settling in well to new routines, new classes, and new spaces, and I hope you are as excited as I am as we embark upon the fall semester together.

 

Anyone who knows me knows that the start of the academic year fills me with joy and inspiration. I am reminded of the meaning and importance of our mission and the remarkable human beings who constitute our beloved UMBC community. It was such a delight for our new provost, Manfred van Dulmen, and me to see this place abuzz with students as we walked around campus on the first day of classes and to visit with many of you at numerous welcome events last week. We are thrilled you are here, and we wish you all the best for a wonderful year ahead!

 

Sincerely,