By Linda M. Bleicken, President
Special to The Inkwell
Although Armstrong offers many opportunities for innovation and creativity – in the classroom, in the lab, and beyond – the university stands apart as a warm, welcoming community defined by rich traditions.
Pirate Pride runs deep, which is why our students carry maroon and gold in their hearts for a lifetime. At Armstrong, we understand the importance of passing down traditions from one generation to another, creating a powerful chain of experiences that link our students and alumni.
Modern-day campus traditions that kicked off the fall 2016 semester included our Weekend of Welcome, which includes First-Year Convocation and a host of campus-wide activities, and our annual Beach Bash, a favorite gathering on the sandy beaches of Tybee Island. There are a number of exciting events on the horizon as well. On October 15, Armstrong’s sixth annual Treasure Savannah day of service will unite students, faculty, and staff to give back to nearly a dozen nonprofit organizations in Savannah and Hinesville and to make a positive impact on the communities we are proud to call home.
If you would like to show your school spirit, plan to attend Celebrate Armstrong on October 20, which will feature live music, food, student organizations, a mechanical bull and a lively celebration of pirate pride. This student-centered event always serves as a fall highlight.
Additional campus traditions set for the fall include our popular Faculty Lecture Series, featuring Armstrong professors speaking about a wide range of topics throughout the year, as well as our annual Latino Heritage Month celebration, which will showcase a wide range of special events in September and October, from salsa lessons to a Spanish Film Festival. I hope you plan to join in the fun!
Some of Armstrong’s most important traditions derive from our core values, which underscore our deep commitment to student success. Our new Armstrong Values poster series, which is prominently displayed in key Armstrong buildings in Savannah and Hinesville, celebrates our core values of scholarSHIP, leaderSHIP, and stewardSHIP. I hope these posters will serve as daily reminders of our shared commitment to these important principles.
Ultimately, the most important evidence of student success is the impact of our alumni on the community at large. Our new Pirate Pride poster series celebrates alumni who are making their mark in a wide range of fields, from business and education to computer science and health professions. I hope these impressive Armstrong graduates will inspire you to pursue your own dreams.
From beloved traditions to timeless values, Armstrong is a special place where students like you can grow, explore, discover, and take risks in an environment dedicated to supporting your success and helping you achieve your dreams. The start of the fall semester is always one of my favorite times of the year. Like you, I am filled with anticipation and excitement as we start a new academic year.
I hope you had a rewarding summer and are ready to tackle new challenges, learn new ideas, and set new goals for the upcoming academic year. I look forward to seeing you excel at Armstrong and wish you an inspiring year ahead.
Thank you very much for being an important part of our Armstrong family. I wish you every success!
