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To the �Ӱ���Ƶ Community: As we complete the year’s first week of classes, I want to take this opportunity to welcome our new students and thank all of the rest of you. Every single one of our successes—including the arrival of our outstanding Class of 2017—stems from the efforts and enthusiasm of our faculty, staff and students. Each member of this community contributes in unique ways. Together, you have helped �Ӱ���Ƶ build extraordinary momentum toward fulfilling our mission: "to improve people’s lives through preeminent education, research and creative endeavor." As this academic year begins, we welcome a new leader for student affairs, . We celebrate the “outstanding” rating the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center earned in its major grant renewal.  And we look forward to next year’s of the Tinkham Veale University Center. This year, our “opening day” featured especially welcome news—word that The Washington Monthly in the country among universities that contribute to the common good. This honor is a testament to the excellence of our research, our commitment to access for talented students and the spirit of service that stretches across our campus. We offer myriad opportunities for you to volunteer, including our annual , held this year on Friday, Oct. 4. Even before that date, you have an opportunity to learn about social engagement at the , Tuesday, Sept. 12. We will honor the founder of Patagonia. Finally, I would like to thank everyone involved in recruiting and enrolling our remarkable first-year class. As you may have last week, these students bring tremendous intellect and energy to our campus; they chose �Ӱ���Ƶ not only because of our excellence, but also the connections they made with you during their search process. And, as you will see in this , they got off to a terrific start during orientation. I hope each of you has a wonderful year. Barbara R. Snyder President