It’s On! 2009 is Stepping Off in Style

I join the chorus of folk singing – proudly, with energy, beautifully, and, with lots of joy – Welcome! (As a prelude to a great academic year I recommend you stop to listen to Sinatra’s Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words).

I hope your summer was wonderful – restful, productive, and beautiful. I got a chance to see the country – to visit the District; see the Pacific from Los Angeles; drive a Camaro in San Fran; walk through a rainforest near San Juan; soak up the vibe in my hometown, the NYC; serve as witness to the place where Martin Guitars get their magic; and, to see the public beauty of the Mini-Apple – and spend some time with the Boston University family. I hope we get a chance to chat about our summers.

Another year around the sun and we are ready for a great start for this community. Prior to the start of classes, more than 1100 students are already on campus to lend their hands and hearts in service around the City. More than 6,000 of us will get together, before the start of classes, to cheer for our students in our own annual Fall classic. The BU Class of 2013 – more than 4,000, strong – will walk through the streets of the City, together, for a ceremonious welcome and induction into this great community. And the life of the University is pumped up, again – the sights and sounds of our community are back with style and energy.

I am obligated to remind you of a few important items. First, take a look at the Code of Student Responsibilities – the standards for how we keep ourselves safe and maintain a vibrant community. (Please also take the time to review the University’s policies for academic and non-academic conduct.) As you engage in activities in and around the campus, please remain diligent about your personal safety and fire safety. Feel free to ask questions of the people and departments here to respond to your concerns and to help you find solutions to problems. Let’s also continue to do what we do best – look after each other. Take a look at this friendly reminder about personal safety living the good life at the University (without interfering with other people’s vibe):

Finally, if you are eligible to do so, I encourage you to register to vote. Look for voter registration drives organized by departments, clubs, and organizations around campus. Remember that elections are held this and every year.

Hope to see you at Terrier Tailgate. To your great year,

Peace.

P.S I’m that dude who digs hockey – can’t wait to see the National Collegiate Champions kick off their season in October. I’ve got an extra season ticket – I’ll give it to the person who sends me the coolest photo of life at BU. You can send the photo to dos@bu.edu by Tuesday, September 15, 2009. I’ll post some of the good pictures. Good luck!