Dear students:
I extend a warm welcome to all of our students, faculty, staff, family, and friends as we energize ourselves for what we hope will be an exciting academic year.
Campus has been alive with activity and engagement as we welcomed our new first-year students and transfer students to campus a few weeks ago.
Opening convocation, where we honored alumnus Christian Beck, Ph.D. ’01 ’02, was great fun and an important symbolic way to share our culture with new students. Watch a recording of the ceremony on our university YouTube channel, and especially listen to Dr. Beck’s remarks. They are lighthearted, yet very meaningful.
The energy continued during a fabulous Welcome Week. My thanks go out to our stellar Campus Life team which did so much work to pull it off, as well as all the other staff, faculty, and students who helped. My band, Quest, rocked the amphitheater with guests Into Sunday and If Kansas Had Trees in the closing events of the week.
To be clear, however, Welcome Week is just the beginning. Watch your email, social media, and the digital screens and bulletin boards on campus. I know there will be a myriad of academic, art, music, and athletic events in which you can participate, learn, or just enjoy. Be a part of our campus community and realize the potential of our highly personal and supportive campus.
What’s new on campus?
First, our music program is back and forming ensembles and other groups. I love music and, if you do, too, and can play an instrument or sing, reach out and sign up.
Secondly, construction on our new Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy space in the former long-term care facility near Henry Science Center is well underway. The new space is scheduled to be ready for operation in January 2024.
And, our new athletics dome, in the Anderson Outdoor Athletics Complex, is also slated to be inflated and ready to support our athletics teams and student recreation in late 2023.
I am going to again ask our students for some help just as I did last year. Share your experience at Misericordia with people you know. Use social media or just “chat us up” at the next family gathering.
The leadership team has set a goal to bring in our largest first-year class in history next year to kick off our 100th year of operation. This “Thrive 24” effort is designed to bring more students like you to campus: caring, motivated, and ready to be a part of our highly connected campus atmosphere.
May academic year 2023-2024 bring you success, friendship, and opportunity.
Sincerely,
Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D.,
President