September 3, 2024
Dear Connecticut College alumni and families,
Greetings! We are enjoying a truly spectacular fall here in New London. I want to take this moment to express how honored I am to be taking the helm of such a fine liberal arts institution. Welcoming both our new and returning students to campus at the start of the semester reaffirmed my excitement to lead such an extraordinary institution.
During my first two months, I have focused my time on meeting with members of the Presidential Transition Committee, senior administration and trustees and getting to know faculty, students and staff through campus walk-arounds and open office hours. I, my husband Dave and dog Koda have received a very warm welcome (especially the dog!).
I look forward to meeting alumni and families, both on campus and across the country, hearing your stories and discussing your hopes for Conn. Events this year include a reception in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 4, Fall Weekend Oct. 18-19 and holiday gatherings in Boston and New York City in December.
As part of my commitment to regular communications, I am sending monthly emails to all constituents in the broader Conn community. Going forward, my message will be included in the monthly alumni and family newsletter.
A few topics to share with you:
Facilities Update: Several facilities and grounds projects made good progress this summer. The Crozier-Williams renovation, anticipated to be completed in February, is among the most visible. Additionally, Cro Boulevard is being transformed into a pedestrian promenade to enhance safety and accessibility. A new east lot for faculty and staff parking was completed. Other projects include the athletic field turf replacement, the construction of a new athletic track and numerous facilities repairs and upgrades.
Fundraising and Budget: Last year, we met our goal with a total of $21.8 million in new gifts and commitments and our alumni participation stayed steady. The annual fund did not fare as well, with a total of $5.6 million raised versus the goal of $7.05 million. With renewed energy and a focus on our bright future, along with your dedicated support, we are optimistic the annual fund will exceed the goal this year.
Senior Leadership: An important part of my transitional work is to address the vacant cabinet positions. In doing so, I am striving to balance the immediate need to have sufficient expertise, bandwidth and leadership, while also ensuring thoughtful and prudent use of College resources. I continue to work closely with those in interim senior administration roles to ensure they have the necessary resources and support during this time of transition. I will also develop a long-term plan for supporting DEI at Conn in terms of organizational structure, resources and leadership.
These are turbulent times in higher education, but I am confident that Conn is well positioned for continued success in a rapidly changing world. Our many strengths will fortify us as we meet the current formidable challenges. I am eager to listen, learn and collaborate with all of you to find shared solutions and chart a collective path forward.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment and support of Connecticut College, which means so much to us all!
Sincerely,
Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D.
President