Email from President Wilson to the Campus Community

July 1, 2004

Good morning!

It is difficult for me to believe that three months have passed since the Board of Trustees announced my appointment as President. As I move into my office in Holmes Hall this morning, I find myself reflecting on the very warm reception that Pat and I have received. This has affirmed what I came to understand during the interview process - this is a very special community.

This past Saturday morning I had the pleasure of greeting parents of our entering first-year students who had come to the campus for the Experience IWU program. Their enthusiasm and appreciation for the University was evident in my conversations with them. They were proud to have sons and daughters entering college here. Clearly, the fine reputation that Illinois Wesleyan has built over the years grows stronger, and I hope that you are all proud of the role you have played in this steady development.

Over the next few weeks, I plan to spend time getting acquainted with as many people as possible. Some of those introductions will occur through formal meetings, but I intend to spend time meeting people informally as well. In the meantime, I hope that all faculty and staff will mark August 27, 2004 on their calendars. On that Friday morning, we will start the new academic year with breakfast and some remarks in Memorial Center. You will receive additional information about this special event in early August.

Dick