This has been an emotional week here at Sacred Heart University. The pomp and circumstance surrounding my installation as president and the induction of the Class of 2015 on Wednesday took me -- and I suspect all of us -- on a roller coaster of emotions from joy and celebration to solemnity and reflection.  Also, it was wonderful to see so more than 1,000 students turn out for last night’s Presidential Gala to welcome the freshmen. I was thrilled to be there and to meet so many of you individually.  I hope this is the start of an annual tradition to welcome in the new academic year. 

Most of all, this week was a time of commitment. For me -- and for the faculty and staff -- it was a reminder that our commitment is to the students who come to Sacred Heart seeking an education in a strong Catholic community. Never was our heritage and tradition more in evidence than during Wednesday’s ceremonies. The tradition and the pomp reinforce our mission here: we are here for the students. We are here to educate them, to guide them, to lead by example, to prepare them for their future as Catholics out in the world. In my inaugural address, I quoted Benedict XVI who said, “Teaching is not just about communicating content. It is about forming young people.” That is what we are here for, and we do not take the charge lightly. We must commit to putting our time, our talents and our whole heart into the job before us. Our commitment must extend beyond the classroom as we listen, respond and, in many cases, become lifelong mentors and friends. Our students deserve no less.

Similarly, I hope Wednesday was a time of commitment for the freshman class and the rest of the student community. The college years are like no other time in life. It is a time of remarkable opportunities for learning and growth in a warm, safe environment. It is a time when students discover who they are and who they can be with the help of friends, advisers, faculty and family. While the college years should be full of fun, I pray our students will also use this time to prepare for their careers and for life as caring citizens of the world. Let me say it again: the faculty, staff and administration of Sacred Heart University are here for the students. Please reach out to us. We stand ready to help you through these years of learning and transformation. We can only be a community if we work together with respect, caring and, yes, commitment.

The highlight of the festivities for me was the chance to speak with so many students and members of the faculty and staff. Thanks to all of you for coming out to these events. The overwhelming turnout by the faculty meant a great deal to the students and to me.  And, the warm and lively atmosphere during the installation of the Class of 2015 reinforced that these new students are intelligent, fun-loving, compassionate and giving -- a trademark of Sacred Heart University.  I look forward to many more opportunities to talk with all of you as we continue this journey together.

I would be remiss if I did not recognize the people who worked tirelessly to ensure that Wednesday’s events went off flawlessly. They did an outstanding job.  A special thank you to the committee co-chairs: Michael Iannazzi and Stephane Kirven, J.D. I don’t usually include long lists of names in this blog, but today is an exception. The Presidential Inauguration Committee has been working on this event -- and others surrounding our “time for new beginnings” -- for many months. So here (in alphabetical order) I offer a heartfelt and grateful thank you to the rest of the committee: Michael Bozzone, Jeffrey Cain, Ph.D., Ann Clark, Ph.D.,  Maureen Conard, Ph.D.,  David Coppola, Ph.D.,  Lenore Frost, Ph.D., Katie Gallagher ’13,  Sean Heffron,  Edward Hendricks, Ph.D.,  Michael Higgins, Ph.D.,  Mia James ’13, George Lombardi ’73,  Robert Marsh, Ph.D.,  Stephen Rubb, Ph.D.,  and Larry Wielk. I also know that this committee relied upon countless others to help with the preparations and details. In particular, I would like to thank Funda Alp, Ann Miron, Jaclyn Bellino ’11, Cynthia Conte and Jack Fernandez.  I could not possibly end without also thanking the outstanding members of the choir, led by John Michniewicz, and the band, led by Keith Johnston.  What an atmosphere they supplied for all of us.  To the many others, and you know who you are, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 Finally, I want to remind everyone that this weekend is Homecoming Weekend. The weather forecast isn’t perfect, but there will be plenty to do both indoors and in between the raindrops. Scheduled events include a tailgate party (rain or shine!) in the Curtis Hall Parking lot from 10:30-4 on Saturday, an alumni BBQ beginning at 12:30 in the Campus Field picnic area and, of course, the football game between the Pioneers and the Dartmouth Big Green at 1 p.m. Go Pioneers!

On Sunday, our annual Alumni Awards Breakfast will take place. Among the many deserving honorees is our own Dr. Gary Rose, who will receive the inaugural Alumni Faculty/Staff award. Dr. Rose was nominated by two of his students -- something I know is very special to him. That will be followed by the Alumni Mass in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at 11 and the Presidential Reception at noon. I am looking forward to all these events and, especially, to having a chance to see former students and other alumni back on campus.