President Susan Schultz Huxman recorded this greeting to Eastern Mennonite University students, who begin classes today. Over the weekend, EMU hosted a series of virtual events to welcome students and their parents and caregivers, and offer information about new move-in plans.
Read more about weekend welcome events in news coverage.
View the Orientation worship service.
President Susan Schultz Huxman: Welcome EMU students to the 2020 school year. This is not how we anticipated our start, but we are still glad you’re “here,” whether “here” is Ohio, California, Virginia or overseas!
I’m here, in my office, where normally, at this time of year, I’d be watching the buzz of students and faculty, moving between classes, studying on the lawn, and playing ultimate Frisbee. I miss that. I miss you! I hope to see many of you in a few short weeks, in person.
We’re all getting tired of the word “unprecedented.” And so I won’t say that. But, you have a unique opportunity to learn and lead in a world no one has experienced before.
Last year, EMU decided the best way to describe our unique place in the world was to say that we “Lead Together.” Balancing leading and togetherness is how EMU changes the world. It is how you will change the world.
Together, we are poised to create a world where public health, racial justice, and economic crisis demand our best ideas. I know we will not shrink from these challenges!
Together, we are ready to protect each other. We will wash our hands, stay six feet apart, and most importantly…….wear masks.
What will this year hold for you? What paths will you explore? What future will you create? We’re here together because your journey is a part of our journey. In teaching and learning, we grow together and we will lead together.