Happy New Year, and welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful winter break and that you’re returning to school or work with renewed energy, ready for another great semester of learning in paradise.

Yesterday, we welcomed more than 500 new students at our Spring Freshman Convocation ceremony. This is the largest incoming spring class in university history, and the first time that we’ve hosted a convocation ceremony in the spring. This memorable event marks the beginning of a student’s college career and connects them to each other and to the university. I encourage all students to take part in the “Weeks of Welcome” events scheduled across our campuses, which are designed to help you make the most of your spring semester. Click here for more information about Weeks of Welcome events.

Thanks to everyone’s hard work in 2018, we’re well on our way to becoming America's fastest-improving university. Let’s make 2019 our best year ever. Go Owls!