On behalf of the cabinet and deans, I extend a warm Franciscan welcome to all new members of the Viterbo community. We likewise welcome back those who have been away for the summer recess.

We welcome the new faces of about 390 new students and about 20 new full-time faculty, administrators, and staff members. Please remember to wear name badges to help our new community members get acquainted with us.

Viterbo concluded a very successful 2014–15 academic and fiscal year. Annual highlights and accomplishments from the past year have been compiled and distributed by electronic mail to all employees. These reports by the cabinet are a summary of achievements. They are not an exhaustive list but an excellent representation of the hard work, dedication, and support of our faculty, administration, staff, trustees, alumni, and benefactors over the past year.

Plan to attend the University Forum Tuesday, Aug. 25 beginning with a continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. in the Fine Arts Center Lobby. At 9 a.m. we kick off the forum in the main theatre with our traditional welcoming introduction of new employees, followed by service awards for 33 employees. I’m following the pattern set last year in presenting the State of the University address at a later date (Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 3:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Recital Hall). This provides time to give the enrollment report after census date. It also allows for more time after the break on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 25 to share general information about the new academic year and announcements.

All are invited to the picnic luncheon in Assisi Courtyard from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. We’ll conclude this busy day with the annual community dinner, preceded by a cash bar reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Lobby. We’re anticipating the largest turnout ever for the community dinner, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Mathy Center.

Joan and I extend our best wishes to all for a great new academic year.

Rick Artman

President