Among my greatest privileges as Northwest's president is the opportunity to welcome new students as they arrive at the start of new term. I offer all of you the warmest of greetings as well as my wish that your university years will be among the best and most rewarding of your life.
It is with much pride I say that every one of you is an important and valued member of the Northwest community. Here you will find outstanding, caring faculty members and staff who will help you feel at home and guide you toward completion of your academic goals.
Independent surveys consistently show Northwest students to be highly satisfied with their university experience, and you may be sure that many people are working very hard to make sure your expectations for a happy and fulfilling college career come true. As you no doubt already know, Northwest's graduation rate exceeds that of most of our peer institutions. A big reason for this is our commitment to programs and services designed to help you succeed both in the classroom and in life. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance whenever you need it.
I say this, of course, because your studies are important. But I also urge you not to neglect the scores of co-curricular opportunities available on campus. Take advantage of as many of these as you can. Over the next few years, you will forge lifelong friendships, and one key to making and keeping such friendships is participation in organizations and activities that foster physical health, productive social activity, civic involvement and professional development. The interests, skills and relationships you develop at Northwest will continue to enhance your life long after you graduate.
Many of you will seek paid jobs and internships on campus. For most students, in fact, working is an important part of the overall college experience and helps them acquire skills and experience that prove invaluable in the workplace following graduation. Research shows that students who work part-time on campus earn better grades and are more likely to complete their degree.
Northwest takes pride in its student workforce, and it would be impossible to operate the campus so well and so efficiently without the hundreds of students whose skills, enthusiasm and commitment make this university such a special and exciting place.
The next few years will be a time of almost unimaginable change and growth. You will have many choices to make, many challenges to overcome and many responsibilities to fulfill. It is important that you work hard and bring a deep sense of personal responsibility to the tasks before you. But remember that everyone here wants you to succeed, and that we will do everything we can to help you turn your dreams into achievements. Again, welcome, and sincere best wishes for a wonderful, rewarding year.
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