Like all organizations, FAU depends upon the dedication and skill of its employees to keep moving forward. With more than 3,000 people working at six campuses and centers to serve its diverse, 30,000-member student body, the university is a lot like a large corporation. In the academic as well as the corporate world, success is driven by a strong team effort. I may be a newcomer to FAU, but it’s already clear to me that this university is served by an outstanding group of men and women who truly care about our students and are working in a multitude of ways to ensure their success.

On April 8, I’ll have the opportunity to meet members of our faculty and staff who are celebrating landmark anniversaries at FAU. Employees with 5 to 45 years of continuous service will be recognized during the Employee Service Awards Ceremony in the Live Oak Pavilion on the Boca Raton campus. At that event, which will run from 2 to 4 p.m., I will also have the privilege of honoring several individuals with the President’s Leadership Award, the Barnes & Noble Faculty Service Award, the Jeffrey Gabor Exemplary Employee Award and the VALIC Customer Service Award. That will be a very special day for me as well as for the honorees. It will be a privilege to shake the hands of people who are devoting years and even decades of their lives to serving our students.

Immediately following the ceremony, a reception will be held in the Grand Palm Room of the Student Union. I look forward to the opportunity to meet many members of the FAU community at the reception as we all join in celebrating the accomplishments of our colleagues.