Thank you, Oberlin

It is hard to believe this will be my final "President’s Desk" column. But in August, I will become president of Pace University in New York. While I am excited by that challenge, leaving this incredible place is hard. Oberlin will always be part of my heart.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your president. Getting to know and become friends with so many of you in this amazing community has been deeply meaningful to me. I will cherish those friendships for as long as I live.

The extraordinary education Oberlin offers is produced by the combined efforts, ideas, and generosity of thousands of individuals—faculty, staff, alumni, students, parents, and the people of this town. All of you contribute to advancing Oberlin’s distinctive educational mission. I wish I could personally thank every one of you.

Working together, we have accomplished much over the past decade. Oberlin, like other liberal arts colleges, faces significant challenges. But we should be proud of our many achievements. I know you and generations of Oberlinians to come will continue to build on them.

Oberlin’s greatest asset is its people. I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many of you. I am deeply grateful for all your support, advice, counsel, and generosity. We have advanced Oberlin’s mission in profound ways.  I leave knowing that Oberlin College and Conservatory will continue to grow and flourish under the leadership of your new president, Carmen Twillie Ambar. And I know you will help her every way you can.

Again, it has been an honor and a privilege to have been your president these past ten years. I look forward to watching Oberlin progress, to staying in touch, and to seeing you when next our paths meet. From the bottom of my heart, thank you one and all.