Thank you for believing in WestConn
Dear Friends, Students, and Colleagues,
I’m writing to you the morning after one of the most meaningful days in the life of this university, and in mine.
We’ll share photos and memories from the inauguration later this week. But I didn’t want to wait. I wanted to say it directly: Thank you.
Thank you for showing up. For this university. For our students. For the future we’re building together.
When I looked out from that podium and saw the room – the faces, the energy, the belief – I felt something I don’t think I’ll ever forget. That was not just an inauguration. That was a community telling itself what it’s capable of.
- To our donors and foundation partners:I said it from the podium, and I’ll say it again here. Your investment in WestConn is not charity. It is the single best bet you can make on the future of this region. I hope you felt that in the room, because I meant every word. Every scholarship, every program, every door you help open – it changes a life. And that life changes a family. And that family changes a community. That’s not a talking point. That’s how it actually works.
- To our local and state elected officials:Your presence sent a powerful message. WestConn serves students who have the least margin for error, and the most to give back. Your support of public higher education tells them they matter. That matters more than you know.
- To our Board of Regents, Chair Guay, Vice Chair James, and Chancellor Maduko:I carry your trust seriously. I hope the address reflected the kind of presidency I intend to lead, grounded in honesty, shared leadership, and an unwavering commitment to students.
- To our faculty and staff:You are the soul of this institution. You learn students’ names. You stay late. You notice when someone is struggling, and you do something about it. Friday was a celebration of you. I know some of you have been carrying this place through hard years without a permanent president, without certainty, without enough recognition. I see you. And I need you to know this next chapter belongs to you as much as it does to anyone.
- To our students:You show up every day with a kind of courage and determination that makes all of this work worth doing. This place exists because of you. Never forget that.
Somewhere on this campus right now, there’s a student who almost didn’t come back this semester. Who’s wondering if they belong. If you see them, tell them they do. That’s the work.
During my address, I asked our community to carry one question into every room and every decision: What does it take for our people to thrive? Not survive. Not get by. Thrive.
I meant that for all of us. Not just those on campus, but every partner, every supporter, every person who believes in what a regional public university can be.
If we answer that question honestly, and if we let it change us, there is no limit to what this university can become.
Welcome. Weave. Widen.That is .
The celebration was extraordinary. Now the real work begins. I’m grateful to have every one of you in it. Let’s get to work.
With deep appreciation,
Jesse (🐾 from Bella & Tuck too with their rising popularity in their wolf gear 🐾)
WestConn President