The Largest Gift in Boston University History
September 14, 2017 Dear Friends, I am writing you this morning to convey exciting news about our Campaign, Choose to Be Great. Five years ago we embarked on the first comprehensive campaign in Boston University’s history with the audacious goal of raising $1 billion in five years—a goal we met well ahead of schedule. Our […]
Message from President Brown regarding Wheelock College
August 29, 2017 Dear Friends: As reported in an article in BU Today, Boston University has entered into formal discussions that may lead to the merger of Wheelock College with Boston University. Wheelock College is our closest neighboring private college, with its primary campus on the Riverway across from Landmark Center, a 20-minute walk from […]
The Tragedy in Charlottesville
August 17, 2017 Dear Members of the Boston University Community: As has happened too often in recent years and months, our nation has been shaken by an act of violence—this time the fatal motor vehicle attack on counter-protesters at the demonstration in Charlottesville. We mourn the tragic loss of life and deplore the attack and […]
State of the University, Spring 2017
May 2, 2017 Dear Members of the BU Community, I write this letter to the community late in the semester, having waited to form an assessment of the University’s circumstances and prospects against the backdrop of national and international developments. Although I can’t say that the wait afforded me as much clarity as I might […]
William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professors Appointments
April 25, 2017 Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to announce the appointment of two of our colleagues as William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professors. The Warren Professorship is the highest recognition that the University bestows on any faculty member. Azer Bestavros, Professor of Computer Science, College of Arts & Sciences, and Bonnie Costello, Professor of English, […]
Retirement Plan Revisions
March 7, 2017 Dear Colleagues, I am writing to update you on our continued progress in reviewing Boston University’s employee benefits programs. This initiative began in 2014 when Senior Vice President, Senior Counsel, and Secretary of the Board of Trustees Todd Klipp and I convened a task force of faculty and staff to review our […]
President Trump’s Executive Order and BU
January 29, 2017 To Members of the Boston University Community: As you have heard, the President of the United States has issued an Executive Order that impacts the issuance of visas and immediately suspends the entry into the United States by individuals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen for 90 days. We […]
Concerns for Undocumented Students
December 12, 2016 Dear Friends, I am mindful of the concerns of many about potential changes in federal immigration law enforcement and practices, particularly as they relate to our campus and community. As evidence of these concerns, we have recently received a petition through the Undergraduate Student Government Senate to designate Boston University as a […]
Hoax Call, Campus Emergency
November 18, 2016 Dear Friends, As many will have seen in news reports, the emergency situation in the area of 771 Commonwealth Avenue (Mugar Library and George Sherman Union) has been resolved. The Boston Police have issued an all-clear notification and there are no reported injuries. The emergency response was prompted by a threatening phone […]
Moving Forward, A Message from President Brown
November 10, 2016 Dear Friends, We have been witness to one of the most extraordinary presidential elections in our nation’s history. We are, from various individual perspectives, contemplating changes in policy and philosophy that we anticipate will take place at the federal level and affect our lives. Some in our community will celebrate the outcome. […]