We have a lot to celebrate

Dear students, staff, and faculty,

As we reach the end of the academic year and my first as president, I am full of gratitude for the chance to lead this storied institution and this special community. For me, it has been a year of inspiration and learning.

As part of my “listening tour,” I have met with students, staff, and faculty members as well as just about every department and office. Time and time again I have encountered the spirit of inquiry, collaboration, and support that is a hallmark of the LC community. Whether discussing ways to enhance student life or brainstorming about “big ideas” to advance the institution, I have come away deeply impressed by everyone’s commitment to Lewis & Clark and to each other.

And now we have arrived at the best time of year, when we get to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our students.

Whether you are a student taking part in upcoming ceremonies for CAS, the law school, and the graduate school, or are finishing up a year of progress toward your degree, you made it! I am so proud of what you have achieved and hope you take the time to really celebrate and enjoy your success. I’d also like to acknowledge and express my appreciation for the crucial support that staff and faculty have provided to get our students to this point.

There are also some significant milestones that Lewis & Clark has reached that deserve celebration. We opened a newly renovated and rededicated Fowler Student Center on the undergraduate campus, marking an important step toward a more vibrant and inclusive campus. Beautification projects at the graduate school and a long-awaited installation on the law school campus will be welcome additions. We are closing in on our $155 million fundraising goal, part of LC’s first comprehensive campaign in decades. It has truly been a community-wide effort among all three schools. Even through major challenges like the cyberattack that impacted the campus, the LC community really came together to get each other through it with remarkable strength and grace.

For all of you graduates, I want to wish you every success―and I want to wish everyone an enjoyable and restful summer.

For those who are returning in the fall, I’m looking forward to our continued collaboration in support of our students and in advancing our mission to make a positive impact on our communities and the world.

Robin H. Holmes-Sullivan, PhD

President