Dear Friends:

“It was a terrific day.
Now, how can I help change some lives?”

This note sent by one of our graduates following the events of September 30 underscores so much of what we set out to accomplish that day. An estimated 2,700 alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends came to campus, joined by several hundred students, for an extraordinary celebration that aimed to link Susquehanna’s past, present and future. In the weeks since the event, we have heard from hundreds of people who said they had a great time – and in many cases, that they enjoyed and valued the chance to be in the company of people representing a cross-section of our audiences.

A part of the day that pulled on many hearts involved a parade of alumni escorted by current students prior to the football game. From Rudy Gelnett, Class of 1937, through Lauren Diehl, Class of 2010, a member of just about every graduating class was represented. The pre-1950 graduates, accompanied by the Stadium Band and members of Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity, opened with the singing of the Alma Mater. The crowd in the bleachers stood and sang along, compelled by the energy and pride evident on the faces of those graduates from the 1930s and 1940s standing before us. It was a beautiful moment, and it typified the impact this place has had on countless generations of the Susquehanna family.

On September 30, we entered a period in Susquehanna’s history during which our work of changing students’ lives and building the foundation for their futures takes on even greater meaning. It was during this celebration that we launched the Changing Lives, Building Futures campaign aimed at strengthening Susquehanna in ways that focus on our students and their experiences here.

To that end, our top priority is the creation of new space on campus for our biology, chemistry, and earth and environmental science programs. We are committed to the principle that science education is, and will continue to be, at the heart of a quality liberal arts education. An investment of $45 million must be made to build an 81,000-square-foot facility situated on the north side of University Avenue, across from Fisher Science Hall, to house these programs and serve as a key pressure valve for managing future increases in enrollment. The areas that then open up in a newly-renovated Fisher will accommodate departments and programs that are underserved by insufficient or non-existent space on campus presently.

Other priorities include investments in endowment for financial aid, student life and academic programs; other capital improvements; and the Susquehanna University Fund providing critical operating support for a range of student programs, student/faculty collaborative research, and campus activities.

While Changing Lives, Building Futures seeks to raise $70 million in new gift commitments to realize these priorities, it is about more than fundraising. It’s about understanding how those who came before us continue to shape this great institution and realizing that every one of us can find a place in changing a life and building a future.

There are countless ways in which your actions can have an impact on a student. One volunteer, one advocate, one mentor, one internship sponsor, one host, one donor can do so much to reinforce that, at Susquehanna University, it really is all about the student.

As we begin this new chapter in the life of the institution, many alumni and friends have already stepped forward. It is a great pleasure to thank them, for their pace-setting work has done much to inspire and lead us to this place where we think our broad ambitions and goals are in fact achievable. Looking ahead, we need many more Susquehannans, each contributing in meaningful ways, to make this period one of unprecedented improvement and success.

Now, how can you help change some lives? If you’re willing, let’s talk. You can reach me by e-mail.

Sincerely,

L. Jay Lemons
President