Many of you already know that I will complete my service as president at the conclusion of the next academic year, after eight years at Lafayette, and will become president of Haverford College on July 1, 2013. I believe the time is right for Lafayette to transition to new leadership to continue the great progress we have made in advancing our strategic objectives for the College.
I am enormously proud of what we have accomplished together, especially in light of the extraordinary economic challenges we have all faced following the recession of 2008. Among other achievements, we were able to increase the size of the faculty by more than 10 percent, implement a new Common Course of Study, and advance major new initiatives in the arts, global studies, life and environmental sciences, and engineering. With generous donors’ support, we have made significant new investments in academic, residential, and athletic facilities. We have also reviewed our residential life programs to strengthen our commitment to an outstanding living and learning environment for all students. I am especially proud of the strong partnership we have built with the City of Easton.
This work would not have been possible without the strong and coordinated commitment of trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The Board and I are committed to maintaining progress in these strategic areas.
I also remain deeply committed to the mission of liberal arts colleges and believe that, collectively, they will play a vital role in responding to the significant issues that lie ahead for American higher education. That is why Swarthmore College president Rebecca Chopp and I hosted a conference at Lafayette titled “The Future of the Liberal Arts College in America and Its Leadership Role in Education around the World.” The event significantly enhanced Lafayette’s visibility in the higher education community. I hope you will enjoy reading about it in this issue.
I am grateful to so many of you for your steadfast support of Lafayette and for your friendship. I look forward to thanking you personally and to continuing our work together in the year ahead.
Daniel H. Weiss