Dear Students,

Welcome to the start of the 24-25 academic year! The commencement of a new academic year brings anticipation and potential, and I certainly have noticed that our campus is abuzz with excitement.

At this juncture, you’ve settled into classes, gotten to know your professors, adjusted to your suitemates and started to build a network of friends in your residential halls and beyond. Hopefully, you’ve participated in a lot of activities, such as Throwdown, Beach Bash, Source, Shout!, etc. And you’ve likely even explored off campus, by going to Irvine Spectrum Center, Newport Beach, Balboa Island, etc. I urge you to engage fully with all that our university offers: Golden Eagle Athletics, The Hunt, Taco Talks, CUI Bono, CU Active, Unity Center and more.

Achieving success this year will necessitate more than showing up; it requires active engagement, diligent study and judicious time management. Approach each class with intellectual curiosity, seek assistance proactively and engage in academic discourse. These efforts will significantly enhance this journey. And to this end, let me give you the same advice I gave my daughter last year when she was in her third week of her freshman year, which she might even admit was beneficial: Make the most of your professors’ office hours. 

This advice is not merely procedural but deeply rooted in fostering meaningful academic relationships. Professors, despite their prestigious titles and credentials, teach at Concordia because they want to engage with you. And a brief visit to their office is likely to turn into an enriching conversation. As I told her, prepare a few additional questions beyond the course: “When did you come to Concordia?” “What is your favorite class to teach?” “Why did you fall in love with your academic discipline?” and “What do you like to do for fun?” My daughter, who brought a friend along, was in the office for 45 minutes, and even left with a hint for her first exam.

Success will require more than just attending classes. Amidst your busy schedules, remember to enjoy the journey and stay connected with your family. Their support is invaluable as you navigate this transformative period. 

Additionally, please bear with us as we undertake two major construction projects in the heart of campus. While these developments may bring temporary noise and disruption, they are designed to significantly enrich your student experience. It will be worth it!

In closing, let me encourage you to visit the Moon International Center this semester. Pull out a world map, and let’s talk about where you should spend a semester abroad! We have curated many affordable experiences, so don’t use that as an excuse – explore your options! Take it from someone who has lived in three foreign countries: It will be one of the most important experiences of your life. Remember the wisdom of St. Augustine: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” 

Embrace this academic year with zeal, and you will grow academically, personally and spiritually.

Go Golden Eagles! 

For His Students,

Dr. Michael Thomas
President

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