 Good afternoon. I'm Mark Nemek, and I am thrilled and honored to be joining Fairfield University as your ninth president. This is an amazing community. It is evident that Fairfield students, faculty, staff, the Jesuit community, parents, alumni, and friends are deeply engaged and committed to life at and the core values of the university. Fairfield is clearly rising, accelerating, growing, and innovating, and I am so excited to be a part of shaping this future with you. As one blessed with the Jesuit education and who has spent his academic career studying the societal import and impact of higher education, I appreciate how Fairfield's core values and commitment to educating men and women for others are distinct and how they shape all we do. My wife Susie and our four children, Alex, Teddy, Philip, and Kit, are looking forward to joining you in July. I am so very eager to get started working alongside you as we build upon our core values. To create new programs, extend our impact, and educate for the mind, the body, and the soul. I'm also eager to join the life of the campus, collaborating with all of you, particularly engaging with faculty and students and others on teaching and research. And of course, cheering and supporting our students on the fields, the courts, the galleries, the stage, and all the other wonderful venues beyond the classroom. I've long been impressed by Fairfield's amazing trajectory. I now look forward to the privilege of joining you as we continue our rise.