It is one of my privileges as president of Rensselaer to welcome students at the beginning of the academic year. Among you are returning students who come back eager to build upon what you have accomplished at the Institute thus far, with the knowledge of how to make the most of what Rensselaer has to offer. That knowledge and your experiences give you a foundation upon which you can make positive choices in all facets of your lives: academically, socially, and in your activities. I hope that you also take pride in your achievements, and I share your enthusiasm for all the opportunities that lie ahead.
I welcome the Class of 2009 with a sense of excitement about the journey you are about to begin—this is the beginning of a pivotal time of your lives. You have chosen Rensselaer, and Rensselaer has chosen you. As an extremely high-caliber class, you will take your place among the university’s global citizens—from 49 states and 72 countries—at an extraordinary time of transformation for this great technological university.
You will play an important role in the future of Rensselaer. This exciting future is evident in our almost year-old Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, which provides an expanded life sciences focus in chemistry and chemical biology, molecular biology, biophysics, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and a growing program in biocatalysis and metabolic engineering, among other research areas. You will witness the construction and opening of the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center, which we call EMPAC, where art and technology will intersect, create, and innovate. With the scheduled opening of EMPAC in 2008, this year’s entering class can look forward to opportunities to learn, create, and research in its leading-edge facilities. EMPAC also will be home to a host of performances in venues such as a world-class concert hall, a state-of-the art theater, black-box studios equipped for video and audio production, and artist-in-residence studios.
Whether you are a returning student or have just completed your initial freshman orientation, you will find support at the Student Life Services Center, which includes student health, records and financial services, dean of students, minority student affairs, international student services, disability services, Greek life, Office of the First-Year Experience, and the Archer Center for Student Leadership Development. There are many other gathering places to discover—or rediscover—on the Troy campus, such as Jazzman’s Café in the Darrin Communications Center, and Java++ Coffee House, right across the street from the Student Life Services Center, on the corner of 15th Street and College Avenue. I encourage you to take advantage of the offerings at the Mueller Fitness Center, where you will find a wide range of fitness equipment and a variety of classes in yoga, kickboxing, pilates, and more.
I invite you to join me for monthly informal lunches—“Pizza with the President” —at Mother’s in the Student Union. Watch The Poly for the announcement of the first one. These gatherings give me an opportunity to get to know you better, listen to your ideas and concerns, and to respond to your questions. I enjoy these sessions immensely, and hope that you will take the time to attend.
Your families also are important members of the Rensselaer community. Please encourage them to attend Family Weekend on October 14-16. This will be a time for them to learn more about your life as a student at Rensselaer, and to see, first-hand, the evolution of the Troy campus, and the many changes in the community. As a special treat, you will have the opportunity to cheer on the Rensselaer Women’s Ice Hockey team when it meets Colgate University on Saturday, October 15, at 7 pm, in the Houston Field House. The players will appreciate your support as they embark on a new and exciting era as an NCAA Division I team.
As the fall semester approaches quickly, I wish all of you a wonderful summer, and a productive and exciting year.
