Dear members of the University of Akron community,
I am very excited to welcome you back to campus for the fall 2021 semester. While we may not be returning to the same “normal” that we envisioned earlier in the year, we can, pending further health guidelines, look forward to a more robust campus experience, including:
- In-person classes and research, with more options for internships, co-ops and other experiences;
- Residence halls at near capacity, with the return of award-winning programs and activities;
- Traditional social gatherings and events, including on-campus dining, athletic events, Homecoming, concerts, guest speakers and more.
As we begin this promising semester, I want to reiterate, to our students, how impressed I have been with your patience and commitment to achieving your goals. I appreciate the sacrifices you have made to advance your education. Know that we are doing everything we can to support and ensure your success.
To our faculty, staff and contract professionals, thank you for your hard work and inspiring dedication to our students and University. I look forward to celebrating your resilience and achievements, and previewing the exciting year ahead, at our inaugural Campus Reunion on Aug. 20, from 9-10 a.m., in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union Ballrooms. Register for the event.
Remember that Convocation will be held later that day from 11:30 a.m. to noon at FirstEnergy Stadium, followed by a New Student Welcome from noon to 1 p.m. on Coleman Common. I hope to see everyone there.
I am also pleased to invite the campus community to join Georgia and me for a Celebration of Community at Lock 3 Park on Sept. 9 from 4:30-7 p.m. This is a great opportunity to meet with colleagues, students and community members for an evening of food, fellowship and live entertainment from the UA School of Music. Register for the event.
The future is bright. We have proved that, together, we are able to meet any challenge and rise above it. Now, we are ready to keep rising, to keep moving forward.
I am excited to continue this journey with all of you.
Gary L. Miller
President
The University of Akron