Dear La Salle Community,

Greetings from campus, now in full bloom and ready for graduation festivities as I write this note to you. Excitement abounds as our seniors—nurtured by community, aware of their purpose, and eager to reach their potential—leave us to embark on their careers and drive positive social change in the world.

As my first academic year at La Salle draws to a conclusion, two words come to mind: change and gratitude.

Change is our new norm. Like many private universities, La Salle is solving for enrollment challenges that result from demographic shifts, and pivoting to meet new market demands for programs and student experience. The rapid evolution occurring in higher education requires us to be even more strategic and nimble, so that change works for and not against us. Fortunately, our roots are strong, our mission is clear, and a Lasallian education has never been more important or relevant than today.

Which brings me to gratitude. This academic year has brought much positive news, including two Fulbright scholarships, a Newman Civic Fellowship, and accolades from Forbes, The Economist, Brookings Institution, and U.S. News & World Report ranking La Salle for value and excellence. Our faculty have continued to lead in and beyond the classroom and our Students’ Government Association held the first balloting referendum in its history. A comprehensive plan to renovate our campus and increase green space is in development. Over 2,000 La Salle community members and friends donated over $225,000 to the University on our third annual Day of Giving and we continue to seek better ways to tell our amazing La Salle story.

As I have travelled the nation this first year during my Inaugural Tour, I have listened to countless alumni share their excitement and love for La Salle, as well as their commitment to supporting innovation and leadership at their alma mater. We are a community marked by resilience, perseverance, and successful outcomes. Positioning La Salle for many more years of educating and transforming students in the tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle requires new vision and strategic choices: through a comprehensive data-driven process, we are identifying our spires of excellence and ensuring those spires are resourced to benefit the students we serve. Buoyed by the hard work of faculty and staff, the guidance and support of our Board of Trustees, the devotion of our alumni and the inspiration of our Christian Brothers, the renaissance of La Salle is well under way.

I am profoundly thankful for the support of our community and friends on this important journey.

Sincerely,

Colleen M. Hanycz, Ph.D.
President