Welcome Back

Welcome faculty and staff to the new academic year and a special greeting to 35 new faculty members who we expect will enrich our academic resources.

Summer was a busy one, calling upon the skills of many of you who made the International Space University/Space Studies Program a big success for the 140-plus participants. We have been told repeatedly that this ISU/SSP was the smoothest running and most successful event for ISU by far.

For the second consecutive fall, we are privileged to have on campus one of the largest entering classes ever and I congratulate everyone whose hard work made this possible. The new students may not notice, but I am sure the rest of you will take note of what’s new and in the works in campus facilities. Here is some of what is happening:

Florida Tech Commons, of course, was completed last May and by now has begun to live up to its name of Center for Student Success. Just about move-in ready is the new WFIT Broadcast Center, connected to the Gleason Performing Arts Center. WFIT staff members are eager to move out of the Roberts Hall basement and into this light, airy space. . . Coming mid-September is Panthereum seating, which we have never had before—unless you count the grass. This will include four terraced walls and new landscaping . . . Also, look for new carpeting in Evans Library, starting with the first floor this fall.

Athletes especially will be happy to know that the Varsity Training Center at the F.W. Olin Sports Complex, primarily for football, is on-target for mid-September completion. Everyone is invited to a pep rally there on Sept. 14 beginning at 3:30 p.m. Come and see the football uniforms revealed! The evening of Sept. 15 the football team will play its first scrimmages at Palm Bay High School.

2012-2013 promises to offer many exciting opportunities for our campus. I wish everyone a great year!