A Message from President Stephen C. Ainlay

 
Walking across campus recently, I was again struck by the beauty and symmetry of our historic grounds and the sights and sounds of the many traditions that continue to flourish here. Alongside the greetings of students catching up between classes, the shouts of athletes mid-practice, and the chime of the bells atop Memorial Chapel, I noticed something else in the air—a sense of excitement and purpose that was nearly palpable. At this important juncture in our rich history, Union is moving toward the future with energy and conviction. We are a campus in motion, embracing both the opportunities and challenges that lie before us and meeting them with characteristic spirit and innovation. Ours is a community forging ahead.

Indeed, since the adoption of our Strategic Plan in February 2007, "forging ahead" seems an apt phrase to sum up our collective focus. We continue to move forward with the plan's ambitious recommendations and have already made significant progress, thanks in large part to the generous support of our alumni and friends. We remain focused on crafting a compelling identity for Union College that both honors our past and emphasizes our innovative future. We are embracing our distinctive academic mission and our goal of integrating engineering and the liberal arts, and our efforts have begun turning heads in the larger academic community. In the midst of all this, we are also reinvigorating the You are Union campaign, the critical foundation for the work that remains to be done.

This is truly a defining moment for the College. To achieve our goals and continue on the path we have set for ourselves, we look to those who share our vision and believe that their generosity can help propel our journey. Please join me by investing in our future and leading our College into its third century. You are Union. Your support of the expanded You are Union campaign will ensure that we face our future head on, with fortitude and certainty.

(For more information about presidential priorities, visit the Office of the President web site.)