Â鶹´«Ã½

As we close out another academic year, it is an opportunity to reflect on all we have accomplished and assess the opportunities and challenges ahead. While the shifting landscape at the federal level has led to some uncertainty for higher education institutions across the country, we continue to look to our strategic plan to serve as our foundation and inspiration in all we do. Our commitment is that we exist to transform the lives of our students, knowing one day they will carry their experiences into the world as alumni. Our community members illustrate the value and impact of that promise every day.  

In this edition of Â鶹´«Ã½ Magazine, you will find stories about our students and alumni that exemplify the qualities and character we, as an institution, hope to reflect — resilience, collaboration, service to community, and pursuit of excellence — as we remain focused on our shared vision to guide our work.  

Aligned with our efforts to put students first in that work, we are honored and proud to share the recent state and federal designations that recognize our efforts to support the more than 40% of Â鶹´«Ã½ students that are first-generation college students. We asked some of them, as well as alumni, to share their stories about what it’s like to navigate and persevere through the uncertainty of becoming the first in their families to earn a college degree. Their stories are inspiring.  

This edition also illustrates journeys of outstanding achievement, including our very own faculty being nominated for and winning at this year’s Grammy Awards, an alumna who earned the highest honor bestowed by the federal government for excellence in mathematics teaching, and the 100-year anniversary of Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s national championship-producing wrestling program.   

From our students to our faculty to our 2025 Honored Alumni, these stories showcase a breadth of remarkable talents, leadership and commitment, and serve as an example of what can be accomplished when we remain focused on doing work that matters. At Â鶹´«Ã½, we build champions who exceed expectations and build stronger, better communities through teaching, health care, criminal justice, business, the arts, athletics and more.   

Go Bears!  

Andy Feinstein 

President