August 25, 2014

To the University of Miami Community:

Welcome (and welcome back) to the U!

Whether you’re newly arrived or gearing back up from the summer break, our campuses are abuzz with fresh and friendly faces and the anticipation of a new school year.

I want to thank our dedicated faculty and staff who help create a warm and welcoming environment for our students, many of whom are far from their families and friends. Your remarkable efforts provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging home away from home for everyone at the University.

Being a University of Miami student is an exciting and profound responsibility. You’re here to learn, to pursue your professional goals, and to stretch your personal development in ways that are constructive to your mind, body, and spirit.

Simply put: The key to a successful, rewarding college experience is to respect and care for the well-being of yourself and others. Sexual and gender violence is a critical issue on campuses across the country, and the University of Miami is committed to its prevention through greater awareness and education. Ultimately each of us must take responsibility for our actions and doing the right thing—all the time.

Beyond the classroom, this new school year promises to be filled with great opportunities to explore and enjoy all the University and South Florida have to offer—from special visits from world and thought leaders who share their unique insights, to the finest and most thrilling competition in intercollegiate athletics by our talented student-athletes. Our vibrant arts and cultural programming are a showcase for one of the most diverse and distinctly creative communities in the world. And need I mention the food, the beaches, and the sunshine?

On March 6–8, 2015 the Clinton Global Initiative University returns to our campus. More than 1,000 students from around the world will come together to make a difference in five focus areas: Education, Environment and Climate Change, Peace and Human Rights, Poverty Alleviation, and Public Health. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn ideas into action. I encourage our students to learn more about CGI U during future informational sessions sponsored by the Butler Center for Volunteer Service and Leadership Development. Students can apply here. The early decision and travel assistance deadline is October 17, 2014, and the final application deadline is December 1, 2014.

I also want to invite everyone to join me on Saturday, September 6 at 10 a.m. for the opening ceremony of CPR Day Miami at the BankUnited Center Fieldhouse. CPR Day Miami is a free CPR training event for participants 11 and older. The University has joined forces with our partners at Jackson Health System and Miami-Dade Public Schools in collaboration with the American Red Cross of South Florida and the American Heart Association to help bring lifesaving skills to thousands of people. The county-wide event is taking place at seven locations with multiple time slots available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Just sign up in advance to guarantee a spot at www.CPRDayMiami.org. Take one hour now, save a life later!

The University of Miami Hurricane community is united by our passion for learning and discovery and for making a real and lasting difference on our campuses, in our neighborhoods, and around our world. I encourage you to pursue innovative thinking and bold solutions while embracing and celebrating our timeless and fundamental traditions and histories. Remember that an important part of taking on challenges is finding common ground and fostering a shared sense of humanity and purpose.

We certainly have our work (and our fun) cut out for us in the 2014-2015 school year.

Be safe, be happy, and Go ‘Canes!