From the President

A letter from President Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D.

It is hard to believe that as this issue of CC Magazine hits your mailboxes, it will be four months since I arrived on campus. Dave (my husband) and I have felt a very warm welcome from the Conn community. Thus far, it has been a voyage of discovery and learning—of people, places and possibilities. I have focused on being present on campus through attending campus events, visiting with faculty and staff, and meeting with students. I have also had the pleasure of speaking with alumni, parents, families and community members beginning with Reunion in June, at events in various regions and most recently during Fall Weekend. Through these many conversations, my understanding of and conviction to serve as Connecticut College’s 12th president have deepened. The passion, commitment and pride that have been expressed have fueled my enthusiasm and optimism for the future of Conn. 

As I shared with our new students at President’s Assembly when they arrived in August:

“Like you, I am also starting my first year at Conn. Like you, I am still unpacking, finding buildings and trying to get to know every member of the community. And like you, I’m just starting to discover all the wonderful opportunities this great school has to offer. I’ve served small, liberal arts colleges for more than 30 years, as a faculty member, a dean, a provost and a president. When I decided to take the next step in my career, there were many reasons I chose Conn—a beautiful campus, great location, the Connections curriculum and more—but there are three main ones that I want to highlight today. First, the mission of Conn is one that deeply resonated with me—‘to educate students to put the liberal arts into action.’ Throughout my academic career, my focus has been on helping students apply what they learn in order to affect positive change in the world. Conn will enable each of you to chart your own pathway of learning, discovery and then, action. Second, Conn is a deeply student-centered place, meaning that it is your success and well-being that drives everything we do. And third, which follows from the first two, is the people who make up the Conn community: trustees, alumni, faculty, staff and students. Our community is composed of smart, passionate and welcoming individuals who foster a sense of belonging and inclusion. How fortunate we are to have this opportunity to learn, work and live together as Camels here at Conn!”

If you would like to read more of my early remarks to the Connecticut College community, please visit www.conncoll.edu/at-a-glance/meet-our-president/speeches/. To see when I will be in your area over the next year, visit https://bit.ly/camelsconnect. I look forward to getting to know you and learning your Connecticut College story.

Yours,

Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D.