Message from the President – May 6, 2025

Dear SRU faculty and staff, 

As the traditional academic year comes to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to our students, to each other, and to your roles within our organization. 

As we join together and celebrate the accomplishments of our students at Commencement, we know their achievements are made possible by giving your best each day to help them succeed. On behalf of our soon-to-be new alumni and their families, thank you for all you do at SRU.

Working together and committing to our values allowed this University to navigate uncertainty and to experience remarkable success.  Together we have achieved enrollment and retention records, reached new milestones in advancement, enjoyed magical performances, launched new programs, and created new spaces.

By tirelessly fulfilling our mission through teaching, conducting research, producing scholarly works, presenting at conferences, and mentoring and supporting our students, we proudly send our Class of 2025 into the next exciting chapter of their life’s journey.  We wish them all the best in their professional aspirations and hope the connectedness they feel now will stay with them and bring them back home to visit often.

You have elevated the profile of the University locally, nationally, and internationally in many ways. This includes participating in strategic planning activities, supporting the operations of the University, organizing events, promoting our programs, and engaging with the community, as well as positioning SRU to serve as the hub for new and creative ideas to solve the big issues of today and tomorrow. 

This year’s successes are the direct result of you, our extraordinary faculty and staff. Next year will bring new challenges and new opportunities as we continue to build upon our solid foundation throughout the summer with new construction projects, further investing in our bright future to make SRU a First-Choice destination campus. We will expand our commitment to our students with interior and exterior projects as we create highly functional and aesthetically appealing features and facilities, further enhancing our campus as an ideal place to live, learn, grow, and thrive.

Many programs will welcome their cohorts in a couple of weeks, with all the excitement and anticipation that new students bring to our community. The activity of the University will shift as we welcome them with the joy of leadership and guidance to help them firmly take root.

Commencement represents a transition for all of us. We cherish our University’s rich traditions. One of the most meaningful experiences for our graduates is seeing their families’ pride and gratitude. It is also a proud moment for our campus community.

Thank you again for an impressive year. It would not have been possible without you. As we look forward to the summer, my hope is that you enjoy some time relaxing and recharging with family and friends. 

Best, 
Karen Riley
SRU President