Opening Convocation

Western Washington University

Bruce Shepard, President

Sept. 17, 2010

Welcome

Cyndie joins with me in offering a warm welcome to our returning friends and colleagues. And a special welcome to our newest colleagues and friends-to-be. This morning, we share that rich emotional brew of anticipation, energy, and readiness. The pleasure of simply being back together. The excitement of a new year ahead.

New beginnings also bring a note of uncertainty. Perhaps trepidation. Ours is an annual journey into the realm of the new, the unknown: new colleagues, new students, a commitment for a paper as yet unwritten. A new experiment or innovation: in a laboratory or in how we support the academic success of students. A need to retool: in an academic specialization or for an administrative responsibility.

That willingness to face – indeed, to seek – the unknown says a lot about us and about why Western is successful. Later, I will use the term adventurous. We care deeply, even passionately. We are committed to being the best. And, we know the best, by definition, blaze their own paths.

And, that is my thesis for this morning's remarks: even in uncertain times, we continue upward – toward our vision of being the very best. And we do so by being adventurous.

In support, I could simply remind you of the excellence we have just celebrated: the awards for excellence that is extraordinary. But which, within the Western context, is far from exceptional!

Congratulations to all the award winners. Cyndie and I look forward to celebrating with you and your significant others at our home tonight.

It is appropriate that our Foundation is the sponsor for the award ceremony because, across the campus, they do so much to enable Western's margin of excellence. Let's show our appreciation to the Foundation and to Jerry Thon, Vice President of the Foundation Board.

We are an exceptionally strong university. We continue to advance.

Our Annual Report, just out, is made thick in reporting the evidence. I also asked leaders – administrative and governance – to select two or three highlights of the year past that we could share this morning. A summary of their reports is available. Please pick up a copy as you leave.

From among so many upward trajectories, I will explore four. They revolve around critical questions: What kind of university are we? What kind of university do we want to be, and what are the key strategies for getting us there?

Next page: Decision Making

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