PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
��� YEARS LATER
On the evening of September 24, nearly a thousand members of the Elmhurst University community gathered on the Mall to view Homecoming fireworks—fullblown, glorious explosions of light and sound, high in the sky over Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel. The fireworks are fitting symbols for the excitement and exuberance I’ve seen on campus this Fall Term. After 18 months of remote learning, our students are back in person, inspiring us with their energy. And we’re celebrating our sesquicentennial by adding special features to beloved traditions like Homecoming, while introducing new events, such as our Founders Day festivities on December 6. You’ll find that excitement reflected in this special edition of Prospect. Exploring our 150-year history, we highlight students’ Elmhurst experience, beginning in our earliest proseminary days and extending into this fall, when we welcomed our second-largest class of new undergraduates and our largest-ever class of graduate students. Throughout the dynamic life of this institution, it’s striking to see how consistently Elmhurst has embraced themes such as service to the greater good, academic excellence and innovation, and real-world preparation. These are the themes that have guided us—through societal upheaval, economic challenge and prosperity, institutional growth and change—and that keep extending the impact of our everwidening circle. I hope to see you on December 6 for Founders Day, when we’ll celebrate our vibrant past and embrace our bright future—together.
TROY D. VANAKEN
President
FA L L 2 0 2 1
P RO S P E C T M AG A Z I N E
3
