Monthly Message from President O’Connor - September 2024
As we welcome a new academic year at Palo Alto University, I want to extend a heartfelt greeting to each of you. Whether you are returning to campus or joining us for the first time, this year marks a fresh beginning filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. I am filled with a mixture of excitement and reflection as we embark on this journey together.
This summer, I spent some time on the beaches of North Carolina, taking in the serene beauty and allowing myself to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared over the past eight years of my presidency. It was a moment of deep gratitude for all that we’ve accomplished together at PAU and for the community that has made this experience so fulfilling.
This year holds special significance for me as it will be my last full academic year as President of Palo Alto University before I retire. With that in mind, I am energized and more determined than ever to work every minute on behalf of and with all of you to prepare PAU for a successful future. My focus will be on ensuring that every member of our community feels seen, heard, and valued as we continue to foster an environment where compassion and academic excellence thrive.
As we move forward, I am pleased to announce that our theme for this academic year is equity and inclusion. We are dedicated to embedding these values in every aspect of our university. We recognize that achieving true equity and inclusion is a continuous journey and a work in progress—one that requires ongoing reflection, dialogue, and action. This means continually reviewing and refining our policies and practices to ensure they reflect our commitment to respecting the dignity of each person and fostering a diverse and inclusive community. But equity and inclusion go beyond policies and practices—they speak to a profound desire within all of us: the desire to be seen, the desire to be valued, the desire to belong. At PAU, we strive to make each and every one of our community members feel not only that they belong here but that they are an integral part of something much bigger.
When I first arrived on campus almost eight years ago, I realized I was not coming to lead a traditional brick-and-mortar university, but rather an innovative and equity-minded community. By working together, we could move PAU forward, and that feeling has never left me. All the wonderful kindness you have shown me since I announced my decision to retire has only reinforced my affection for our university. It has reaffirmed how fortunate I have been to have the opportunity to serve as your president.
As we step into this new chapter, I am excited to see the innovative ways in which our students, faculty, staff, and alums will contribute to making PAU a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Together, we will build upon our strong foundation, creating lasting impacts that will shape the future of our university.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment and passion. I look forward to an inspiring and impactful year ahead, and to making the most of this final chapter with all of you.