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Whenever there is a change in leadership of a major institution, there is an opportunity, indeed a responsibility, to reflect on core values. I believe that Miami has done that exceptionally well in crafting a presidential scoping document that affirms and describes our identity. Valerie and I were drawn to Miami because we saw, in its history and vision, a remarkable university, a university that not only has been recognized for what it has accomplished, but also a university that is capable of setting the standards for what universities can be. As a model "university of the third kind," we combine our passion for, and focus on, undergraduate education with our hunger for scholarship and the power of graduate education. We take our place among the best public universities in the nation, and willingly accept the responsibilities that go with that role. And we do all of this in a culture that is relentlessly committed to excellence. Valerie and I look forward to working with you to make Miami more Miami, by taking the best of Miami and making it better, propelling us to an even greater level of accomplishment and service.
I would like to end my remarks today by quoting briefly from an email that I received two days ago. The email notes, "I am not a Miami graduate, unfortunately, but I am an alumni. I attended Miami from 1975 to 1976, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. After college, I went to medical school, and I have now served the past 26 years in the U.S. Army as a physician." The note goes on to describe his recent deployment in Afghanistan, where "we worked side by side with the Afghan medical professionals and numerous non-governmental organizations and some governmental organizations. It was a most rewarding year, and many Miamians contributed." The email concludes with a statement that captures the ultimate mission of Miami. "I am so glad to see you are so proud of your [our] University and you should be. Miamians do great things in Oxford, but they really shine around the world."
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