Message from President Miguel Martinez-Saenz
For inauguration, we created a word cloud based on President
Miguel Martinez-Saenz’s speech. The result graphically displays
his plans and priorities.
A
s I complete my first academic year and approach my one-year anniversary, I recognize that my
presence in Brooklyn and at St. Francis College has had a profound impact on my sense of hope and
possibility—positively speaking. It is hope amidst the challenges that enable us to embrace change even
when we recognize the deep sense of loss that is present. I mention almost every chance I get how humbling
it has been to be invited to lead the College at this juncture. While I believe that many changes are necessary,
our spirit and mission still hold true and sit at the core of every decision we will make. It was the spirit of place
and the commitment to mission so many strive to fulfill each day that first drew me to the challenge of leading
St. Francis College. Of significance, my respect for the work of my predecessors is daunting and inspiring.
And, given the work that all our faculty and staff do to create
some of the most impressive learning and living conditions in the
world, I would be remiss not to recognize the talent in our midst.
In this issue, I want to express my gratitude to the people who
devoted years of their lives in service to our students and alumni
(page 10). Some you will know, others you may have encoun-
tered once or twice, but all of them made significant contribu-
tions to St. Francis College and have impacted the lives of many.
Thank you very much.
Among the changes you may notice when you visit are the
following:
1. While we have been in the process of updating our
Enrollment Management operations, we are also relocating
this component of the College to the first floor, creating a
more welcoming introduction to campus.
2. By combining the offices of Development and Alumni
Relations into a new Office of Advancement, all now located
on the eighth floor, we hope to better engage and link together
the thousands of alumni and friends of the College who want
to have a stronger and deeper relationship with St. Francis.
3. The launch of a new Office of Mission, Ministry & Interfaith
Dialogue, located in what was formerly the first floor chapel,
is part of our strategic plan to reinforce our commitment to
Franciscan Values.
ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE TERRIER | SUMMER 2018, VOLUME 81, NUMBER 2
There is much, much more. Our hope is to position the College
to continue to thrive and to provide an excellent education to
all those inclined to embrace an education rooted and grounded
in the Franciscan Tradition.
Lastly, as you read this issue, we’d like you to reflect on your
reading experience. We are trying something new by posting
it only online. You have two ways to read it:
as a downloadable PDF in the format of a regular issue
or as a webpage that you can easily scroll through on your
phone, tablet or desktop computer.
We ask you to please take the survey on this page and let us
know how you feel.
The next issue of Terrier will be a hard copy with the Donor
Report, mailed to you in late fall. Your survey submissions will
help determine the future of Terrier in 2019.
In peace and friendship,
Miguel
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