Welcome back! The beginning of the fall semester is always an exciting time. The faculty and staff have been busily preparing for the2004-2005 academic year. We have new faculty, new classes, new students, and soon even a few new majors. We are all confident that this year will be another big step forward in the growth of the University.
The complete reconstruction of the outdoor plaza of the Arnold Bernhard Center now presents a welcoming environment for receptions, events, and exhibitions. We have also begun replacing sidewalks where most needed – such as at the entrance to the Hubbell Gym and the College of Chiropractic.
The Board of Trustees has decided that, because of our tight budget, most campus renovation projects will be financed by special gifts, or funds raised for a particular purpose. One wonderful alumnus contributed the funds this summer to landscape the circle in the middle of the Ped Mall, and a generous trustee underwrote the cost of the renovation of the Bernhard Center Plaza – over $100,000. Supporters of our athletic teams raised the funds to renovate two more locker rooms, for men’s and women’s basketball. Of course, a great deal remains to be done, but you can depend on our commitment to keep moving forward, step by step, until the entire campus has been transformed.
UB has three simple goals. The first, and most important, is to pursue academic excellence. We have a distinguished faculty with a long record of achievement in nurturing students, and many of our 55,000 living alumni have become leaders in their fields. We urge you, as the newest members of the UB community, to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. You will soon be joining the ranks of proud graduates whose successful careers were formed based on their studies and internships during their years at UB.
Our second goal is to help you become global citizens. In an increasingly interconnected world, the intercultural and international diversity at UB can be an important advantage to you. At UB each person is equally welcome and respected. It may take some effort to reach out and learn to understand those with backgrounds different from your own, but the rewards will be great. Here at UB, respecting diversity does not imply endorsement; with our many differences, we sometimes have to “agree to disagree.” But we believe that if all the people of the world had this “UB experience,” many conflicts could probably be avoided.
Your becoming a global citizen will be one of the most important benefits of your time here.
Our third goal is to stimulate a lifelong commitment to service — in your professions, in your communities, and ultimately in the world. You undoubtedly have many goals you hope to achieve for yourself academically, professionally, and personally. There is also a dimension of life that can only be realized by making an investment in the world around you. Bridgeport, the largest city in the State of Connecticut, reflects the economic distress of many urban centers throughout the world, giving us all an opportunity to learn how to effectively help others – tutoring in the schools, coaching the nearby youth athletic teams, or working on community service projects. The benefits will last you a lifetime, and your practical experiences will shape the way you view challenges in your life.
As we begin another year here at UB, I ask you to make the most of your opportunities. Please call upon any of us whenever you need assistance or support. Together, we will be raising the standard of UB ever higher, year by year.Neil Albert Salonen
President
University of Bridgeport
Sunday, July 6, 2025