• September 25, 2016
Welcome to the University of Oregon Class of 2020. Welcome new students, new faculty members. Welcome all! We have been anticipating your arrival and we are thrilled you are finally here.
I came to this university a little over year ago—so I know what it is like to be new—and one of the first things I had to learn was how to throw my O. Does everyone know how to do that? It’s not a triangle, it is a nice oval, like this!
Look at that, you are already experts!
• My president’s report will brief you on our progress on four topics: building leadership at the university, progress on our fundraising campaign, our work on the demands of the Black Student Task Force, and our current state budget situation.
• The University of Oregon recognizes the value of Fraternity and Sorority Life as you seek enriching experiences outside the classroom that will help you develop as leaders and citizens of the world. At its best, the Greek system promotes service, scholarship, and community—all traits we hold dear at the UO and want to continue to encourage and foster in a healthy and thriving FSL community.
• Congratulations, graduates! I am thrilled to stand here before the University of Oregon Class of 2016. What an incredible accomplishment. All of you hold a special place in my heart, because you are—and will always—be the first class to graduate during my presidency at the UO. We have shared a journey, learned a tremendous amount, overcome challenges, achieved great successes, made new friends, and now we have a bright future before us. I hope you are as excited and optimistic as I am about what is ahead.
• Good afternoon. I’d like to first say thank you again to Randy Sullivan for his service to the university as president of the senate, and to Helena Schlegel for serving as president of the ASUO.
• President Schill provided the following remarks following an update by Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Yvette Alex-Assensoh's update on the IDEAL Framework.
• I am incredibly honored and humbled to stand here before members of my family, my mentors, friends, advisors, colleagues, and students—to formally accept the responsibility of leading this great institution—the University of Oregon. I would not be here without the confidence and clear vision of the Board of Trustees and its chair, Chuck Lillis. I thank all of you; welcome you, and I am honored you selected me to lead the University of Oregon at this pivotal time in the institution’s history.
• A year ago when I accepted this position, it was with determination, enthusiasm, and great hope. I came to the UO for the love of public higher education, with appreciation for your work, and the intent to make a difference. I know that has at times meant shaking things up a bit and making hard decisions, which is part of the reason why I am here today — to share my vision, and be open and clear about our direction.
• Over six months ago, when I first met you, I made a promise that I would not spend my first year sitting on my hands. Instead, I would move forward with a plan to focus on academic excellence. Today, I am more optimistic than I have ever been that we will achieve our vision of achieving eminence.
