Fall 2022 President's Message: "You Absolutely Belong Here"

The start of a new academic year is always exciting, because it represents a fresh start filled with so many possibilities and opportunities!

For students, it’s the chance to gain knowledge and skills that strengthen their path along the inside track to success, while they make new friends and contacts they’ll have for life. For faculty, it’s the opportunity to develop new mentoring relationships and help inspire the next generation of our Widener family. For staff, it’s a time to renew their dedication to the institution’s relentless and universal commitment to student success. 

All three of our campuses are off to a strong start! Classes began at Commonwealth Law School last week, and Delaware Law School and the Chester campus began yesterday. Some students may have arrived feeling nervous or shy, knowing no one and still learning the layout of our campuses. Others burst through the doors, thrilled to reconnect with the people who make Widener their second home. 

They all have one big thing in common: They all belong at Widener.

I spoke multiple times last week about the incredibly positive and warm welcome I’ve received as your new president. Now, together, we are extending that same warmth to our newest students, and to our returning students, to ensure they know they absolutely belong here. We all benefit when members of our community feel comfortable around the same figurative table. That table, whether it be in the classroom, on an athletic field, in a music room, a library study space or any other university location – is inspiring, because what we bring to it enriches the entire experience for all of us. 

From the newest arrivals to our most experienced students, faculty and staff, every person is here because they have chosen Widener. We want to be here. Together. We bring our whole selves to work and to learn alongside one another as we empower our community of learners to discover and create better futures.

I told our newest students on the Chester campus last week that I hope they can feel the love from the Pride as I have since arriving at Widener this summer. It is an honor that they – and all Widener students – have entrusted us with their education. 

As the new academic year gets underway, let’s hold onto this energy and enthusiasm and carry it forward through fall. I will continue to be out meeting with all of you as much as possible, learning all I can about the university and beginning to shape my vision of where we, together, will take Widener. 

I hope you all have a semester marked with thoughtfulness, care, generosity and a genuine sense of belonging. Widener is an exceptional place with extraordinary people. As we live into our mission and collaboratively commit to student success, I know it will be an amazing fall.

With Warmth and Widener Pride,
Stacey