 I am so overjoyed to be with all of you today. Celebrating my very first Mount Holyoke convocation and kicking off the 2023-2024 academic year. What I've learned over the course of many conversations is that this is a place where tradition is important, where legacy matters, but it is also a place that believes in risk and innovation. Mount Holyoke carries its traditions forward, adapting, examining, and elevating them to inspire us to lead in new and innovative ways. I can only hope that the wonderful challenging and transformative learning experience this institution and its members offers will be important to how you walk in this world, what you understand to be your work in it, and what legacies you build for those who are going to come after you. Mount Holyoke has a tremendous community of staff, those invisible roles, and those behind the scenes here to support you. Make connections, ask for help, find your people. What impact will they have on your journey of discovery? This year I urge you to think about this question, come up with your answer, and take action. Mount Holyoke forever shall be what? My answer is action-prone. Thank you all for everything you bring to this community that we all so cherish and love. Each of you is absolutely extraordinary. I am honored to be part of this community of passionate scholars and compassionate friends. Let us have a truly incredible year. Remember to care for yourselves, be curious, help others, take risks, and lean on one another. We at Mount Holyoke are part of something truly special.