It Takes “One Ursinus” to be Extraordinary

With a new academic year on the horizon, President Robyn Hannigan delivered her first “State of the College” address in Bomberger Auditorium prior to honoring dedicated employees with staff awards and milestone years of service recognition.

Hannigan framed her vision for the college by urging faculty and staff in attendance to “harness the possible.”

“Let’s keep doing what we’re doing, but let’s do it with intention,” she said. “Let’s make sure we’re focusing on our reach, reputation, and our revenue. You’ll often hear me say that all things are possible, but not everything is probable. But the only way we’ll be able to move forward is if we do so together.”

Hannigan provided a snapshot of the college’s budget, enrollment and retention efforts, and philanthropy before outlining her goals for financial sustainability, enhancing the student experience, growing enrollment, doubling down on our academic excellence, and creating more external partnerships.

“We know that we have an extraordinary experience here,” she said. “We have all the pieces of the puzzle, and it’s time to stop keeping it a secret.”

Following her remarks, Hannigan recognized more than 100 employees for milestone years of service ranging from five years to five decades—including Betty Davidson, an accountant who is celebrating 50 years at the college.

She also presented Carol Royce, an administrative assistant for the education department, the U-Imagine Center, and the Common Intellectual Experience, with the Flora A. Tortorelli Award, and James Futter, manager of event technology, with the Laughlin Distinguished Administrator Award.