Message from the President

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” — Seneca

As we complete the 2020-2021 academic year, we have so much to celebrate and to be proud of, even as we acknowledge the challenges that the pandemic posed. Being masked and distanced did not prevent our students from demonstrating their intellect, creativity and resilience in classrooms, performances, competitions and organizations throughout the year. The April 2021 URAC, the annual celebration of undergraduate research and the arts, sparkled with great presentations and performances. The Student Government Association implemented its new strategic plan with updated bylaws and procedures, and the Campus Programming Council provided activities for students that were engaging and safe. Titans from all 22 varsity teams demonstrated excellence in sports from baseball to track and field, winning six team championships and a host of individual awards in diving and track and field.

Similarly, faculty and staff offered their best while using technology in new and different ways to guide learning, provide support, participate in conferences and professional development, and conduct College governance. Our alumni participated in a variety of virtual events, from Homecoming to trivia nights. The College’s strong efforts at stabilizing the budget resulted in it being recognized as a Top 10 Achiever by Forbes, and key construction projects resulted in the completion of the addition to the Hoyt Science Center, three new athletic fields, and an enhanced technology infrastructure. Add to that two positive accreditation virtual visits, and you’ll understand why we end the year admittedly weary, but that weariness is tempered with pride in all that was completed. The “We in Westminster” has sustained our community, and we were able to thrive, despite the unexpected challenge.

And now, it’s time for a new beginning. We will host some day camps on campus during the summer and a commuter New Wilmington Mission Conference in July. In late August, we will welcome the Class of 2025 and our returning students to campus, and we anticipate a return to a more normal Westminster experience. We look forward to the joy of dedicating the new Hoyt Science Center addition and the Huey Heritage Center in Memorial Field House—and a resumption of fall athletics, another great Professional Network Symposium, and more traditional Homecoming activities.

So—with gratitude and pride for what has been and with faith and hope for what comes next, we look to begin the new academic year as Titans together and to celebrating the College’s 170th birthday in January 2022. As always, it’s a great time to be a Titan!

Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson President of Westminster College