Good afternoon, students, faculty, fellow staff, administrators, honored guests, and, of course, President Fithian.

I was honored when President Fithian asked me to greet you all today on behalf of all staff at Clark. I represent staff who work behind the scenes maintaining the campus facilities, financial and business operations, and technology; those who work to support and serve students outside of the classroom, day in and day out, nights and weekends; the ones who help bring students to this campus, and stay connected to them after graduation; and the administrative support staff who are the backbone of all the departments across this campus.

About five years ago, President Angel proposed the idea of a Staff Assembly as a way to bring a voice to the non-academic side of Clark — and we are grateful for that opportunity to establish a stronger relationship with the institution’s leadership.

Melissa Lynch and I had not been in our co-chair roles for very long when it was announced who was chosen to follow President Angel as Clark’s next leader.  We knew right away we wanted some face time with him, as soon as he stepped foot on campus — and to his credit, he agreed.  During our first meeting, we learned more about his vision for Clark, and more importantly about how he felt staff members could and would be a part of that vision. President Fithian and his new leadership team have included staff perspectives in spaces and conversations that we have not been part of before — including this historic moment — and we believe that our participation has shed light on the invaluable contributions that staff make to the great work done at Clark.

On behalf of the staff, we promise to continue our partnership with President Fithian and the senior leadership team and to continue contributing to those important conversations. We very much look forward to being part of the culture of possibility and the exciting new future of Clark University.

Congratulations!