Welcome to Fall 2023 at Lewis & Clark!

Dear students, staff, and faculty,

Welcome to the 2023–24 academic year at Lewis & Clark! I hope you all had wonderful summers and are ready for a fantastic year. Whether you are new to campus or returning, I’m excited you’re here. This is a special community, one where we challenge each other to think critically and creatively in an environment of respect and inclusivity. I am glad you have chosen to be a part of it.

I have many members of this community to thank for making my first year as president a successful one. I spent the year listening carefully to your triumphs and accomplishments, your concerns and challenges. The experience clarified what I already knew: along with the students, the staff and faculty of Lewis & Clark are at the heart of our success. I am more optimistic than ever about LC’s future and look forward to working with you to make LC an even stronger, more impactful institution.

It is a thrill for me to welcome the incoming first-year classes at all three schools. You come to us from all over the country and the world. Some of you are starting your undergraduate career today, others are “1Ls” or first-year law students and still others are pursuing graduate degrees in education or counseling. You are a truly outstanding group of students.

In light of the many discussions about diversity, inclusiveness, and equity that surrounded the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on race-conscious admissions, I wanted you to know that our institution remains committed to welcoming students from all backgrounds and with a wide range of viewpoints and life experiences. All three schools are focused on recruiting diverse classes, and supporting all students toward the completion of their degrees. I invite you to read more about our first-year classes and the policies we are working on to ensure a Lewis & Clark education is as accessible as possible. Read the story here.

Finally, I have some exciting news to share. We have reached our $155 million fundraising goal in the institution’s first comprehensive campaign in twenty years. And we did it a full year ahead of schedule! Reaching this milestone hasn’t been easy. The credit belongs to our community of alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff whose efforts and support made key projects like the renovation of the Fowler Student Center possible.

I’d like to thank the Advancement team for their tireless efforts and support. I’d also like to give a special shout-out to the Law School who had a stellar fundraising year that helped put us over the top. Kudos are also due to the Graduate School for winning major grants to fund scholarships and other student support from the Oregon Health Authority, a recognition of the important role the Graduate School plays in advancing the education and counseling professions.

I could not be more proud to be leading Lewis & Clark at this moment of great success and great promise. This is only the beginning. Onwards and upwards together!

Here’s wishing you all a great semester and year to come.

Sincerely,

Robin H. Holmes-Sullivan
President