A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT (INTERIM)

Welcome to the fall 2024 issue of the King’s Herald. As a member of the King’s Class of 1993, I have always been excited to receive each issue of the King’s Herald. As an alumnus, faculty member and now in my capacity as President (Interim), it’s inspiring to read about the many accomplishments and milestones of King’s alumni around the world. These stories are a testament to who we are as a community of scholars and learners; they anchor us to our ‘why’ as an academic institution dedicated to creating and transmitting knowledge in the service of the common good.

As I say often, King’s is a special kind of university. I believe it has a unique purpose in the world that reflects its history and evolution as a small and inclusive learning community affiliated with Western University. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this edition of the King’s Herald, to provide you with some important updates, and to share my vision for renewing and sustaining the promise of a King’s education for generations to come.

Our rich history was front of mind this year, especially with the celebration of our Platinum Anniversary to mark King’s 70th year. Over the decades, members of the King’s community: students, faculty, staff, and alumni, have accomplished great things, applying what they learned at King’s, including the friendships and connections made, to do good in the world. There is so much about our past to reflect upon, celebrate, and draw from for guidance about our future.

This past September, King’s hosted another successful Homecoming event that reminded us of the connections we all share. I know that those who could attend in person forged new memories by coming together on the King’s campus to spend time with the classmates, faculty and staff who made a difference in our lives. As always, our Alumni and Development Office organized a remarkable series of events that allowed us to gather in community and engage in meaningful dialogue about our past, present and future.

I was especially moved by the Alumni Awards Ceremony and Homecoming Dinner on Friday, September 27. Learning more about the profound impact award recipients, past and present, are making in their respective fields and communities truly was inspirational. The opportunity to present reunion pins to a diverse group of alumni celebrating graduating years ending in 4 and 9 – spanning 60 years – was a special honour for me. This photograph captured that special moment; I can’t think of a more powerful testament to the enduring promise and legacy of a King’s education.

The future of King’s is also very much at the forefront of our minds on this 70th anniversary of King’s founding. I’m pleased to report that we welcomed some 700 new students with the start of the fall 2024 term. Fittingly, on September 13, we launched Renewing the Promise: King’s 2030, our new strategic plan.

Renewing the Promise: King’s 2030 is a dynamic vision for the future of King’s. The result of dialogue among diverse members of the King’s community, the plan sets out a series of interconnected goals and strategies to renew the promise of a high-quality, accessible and inclusive liberal arts education. Above all, Renewing the Promise aspires to prepare King’s today for King’s 2030. As I shared with the community at the start of classes in September, I look forward to the future of King’s with the same faith and enthusiasm I had when I first arrived here as a student some 35 years ago.

I invite you to stay connected and join us in this season of change, which brings with it renewal and opportunity. Your continued dedication to the special mission of this exceptional university is crucial to our enduring success.

Robert A. Ventresca, PhD President (Interim) & Professor