Aug. 28, 2025
As we embark this week on the fall semester, I wanted to take a moment to share a note of welcome to those arriving on campus, and a thank you to those already here.
If you are a first-year student or new transfer, or you鈥檙e embarking on a graduate degree, allow me to formally welcome you to the OCU family. The faculty, staff and administration of our university is pleased to have you here, and we hope to make your time with us 鈥� whether that鈥檚 on campus or in online classes 鈥� as memorable and fulfilling as possible.
If you鈥檙e a returning student, you鈥檝e been continuing your online studies or you鈥檝e been on campus taking classes all summer, kudos to you and the work you have put in toward your degree.
Last week, I spoke to our incoming first-year class at our annual Matriculation ceremony. The theme of my address was personal discovery and authenticity during the AI age. This message is relevant to all OCU students.
We live in a time where automation, convenience and digital connection is the norm. But I encourage you to remember personal connection and the role college can play in helping you experience that.
As I said to our first-year students, there is a lot AI can do, but living out your personal journey is not one of them.
As fall classes begin, I encourage those on campus to get connected with the people here. Talk to your classmates; join a club; get out and cheer on the Stars at a soccer or volleyball match.
It takes real experiences and a real journey to better understand yourself and your path in life. I believe that remains a valuable and redeeming role of the college experience. We鈥檙e here not just for you to learn about your major or prepare for your professional career, but to experience life and learn about yourself as well.
With that in mind, I hope you thoroughly enjoy the semester, find meaningful connections, and that you learn and grow in all aspects of your life.
Welcome 鈥� or welcome back 鈥� to OCU. Have a great semester and a great school year.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Evans
President
