Preparing Students for Success
Dear Emory alumni and friends of the university,
During a spectacular five days in October, thousands of Emory alumni, students, families and friends filled our campuses for Homecoming and Family Weekend. It is one of the university’s great traditions, and the spirit of Emory could be felt from start to finish.
The connections that are formed at Emory are like no other. I saw this while visiting with guests during the 50th reunion of the School of Law’s Class of 1974. I met alumni whose enduring friendships thrived through the decades. I heard incredible stories and learned about extraordinary career accomplishments in law, public service and an inspiring range of fields and businesses. And, more than anything, I could see and hear that after so many years Emory still felt like home for each one of these distinguished graduates.
Throughout the weekend, Carmel and I met many students and their families, and they were eager to share their stories with us. I was struck by the ambition of our students. They are focused and eager for opportunities, both in and outside of the classroom, to learn and get experience in the disciplines and careers that inspire them. I met budding entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, writers and more whose accomplishments are already astonishing.
Parents often asked me what Emory is doing to help students prepare for their next step in life — be it graduate studies or launching a career. And my answer was: a lot! I told them it all begins with Emory’s world-class liberal arts education, which instills vital knowledge so students can understand the complexity of the world, think critically, communicate thoughtfully and develop skills that enable a lifetime of learning.
I mentioned the Emory College Pathways Center and the Oxford Center for Pathways and Purpose, which support undergraduate students through career development, internship funding, research and fellowship opportunities, pre-health and pre-law advising, and networking. I discussed the university’s experiential learning requirement, which ensures that all undergraduates participate in internships, study abroad or research. And I pointed out that Emory has some of the finest graduate and professional education programs in the country.
At Emory, we want our students to benefit from both their deep knowledge and the impactful experiences they have each day on our campuses. And we also want to keep a close eye on the future, and make sure the lessons learned here, along with the opportunities and connections made with faculty, staff, peers and organizations, in Atlanta and beyond, all serve to prepare Emory students for success in the years to come.
As I write this letter to you, I am getting ready for a fireside chat at EY’s Atlanta office. I want Emory alumni who are excelling in their careers at EY and other top companies to always think of our students — present and future — and find ways to engage them in their own journeys. This is how we help Emory students build for the next chapter in their lives, one opportunity at a time.
Gregory L. Fenves
President
Emory University
