August 2007

A monthly letter from President France A. Córdova

My first full month at Purdue was eventful, to put it mildly! Classes on the West Lafayette campus did not start until August 20, but the weeks leading up to the formal opening of the semester are tremendously busy as faculty and student leaders return to begin planning for the new academic year; staff prepare for the influx of students; and workers finish the repairs, painting, trimming and other jobs that get the campus in the best shape possible.

In the midst of all this, I had the pleasure of participating in my first Purdue commencement at which more than 1,200 students received their degrees. I was impressed by the elegance of the ceremony and by the care that is taken to make the event memorable for every student and family.

On August 11, about 5,300 freshmen arrived for the start of Boiler Gold Rush, a program that prepares our new students for the academic, social, and career opportunities and challenges they will encounter at Purdue. At the end of the first day of this orientation, I stepped onto the Elliott Hall of Music stage to face the more than 5,000 new arrivals. They shook the building with their enthusiasm and energy, and they let me know that they are very happy indeed to be starting their university careers at Purdue.

Although they operate on a smaller scale, Purdue's regional campuses began the new year with just as much enthusiasm and optimism. I have had the opportunity to visit Purdue Calumet, Purdue North Central, IPFW, and IUPUI during the past month, and I'm truly impressed with students, faculty, and staff at each location. A special dimension of these campuses is their relationship with their local communities. In each area of the state, the circumstances are different, and the Purdue programs have evolved to meet the special needs of the people and communities around them.

I've also been able to meet with community and state leaders around Indiana, including Governor Mitch Daniels, Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman, and some of our legislative leadership. I've hosted executive forums in Lafayette and Indianapolis and attended the wonderful Indiana State Fair.

Coming from California, I am finding a different environment and a very different system of higher education in Indiana. I had heard that people in Indiana are very friendly, and they have more than lived up to this reputation. Everywhere my husband Chris and I go, people strike up conversations and ask if they can help us. I'm especially impressed by the attitudes of elected officials, business leaders and educators. There seems to be a universal commitment in Indiana to work together for the public good. This bodes very well for our future, and I look forward to working with these people for many years.

There is a lot of work ahead for Purdue and me in the weeks ahead. We will be developing the strategic plan that will guide the University for the future. I have several senior positions to fill, including the job of provost. Fortunately, Vic Lechtenberg, who has served Purdue so well for many years, is filling the position very ably on an interim basis.

And, of course, I have this wonderful University to learn about and guide through another academic year. I am full of optimism and excitement, and I will try to keep you informed. Thanks for all you do for Purdue!

Sincerely,
France A. Córdova
President

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