Dear Friends,

During the past three months I've been privileged to become acquainted with the remarkable learning community here at La Sierra, and the days have offered many wonderful moments of grace. I am encouraged by the opportunities I've had to meet the many dedicated individuals who bring outstanding service to your Seventh-day Adventist university.

I am deeply impressed by our leadership team. During my first few days on campus, I visited each of the vice presidents and the deans. Their lives exhibit many gifts of leadership. I have particularly benefited from conversation with our provost, Dr. Warren Trenchard. Thinking about the ways we will work together to see the university's mission succeed energizes us. At a recent university council meeting, I shared with this group of campus leaders my commitment to be open to new ways of seeing the future and the many possibilities that exist for us, and, in turn, to be strategic in every decision that we make. We spoke of the role accountability would play in our lives as we demonstrate, daily, our commitment to embrace God's plans for our campus.

During my second visit to the campus, I was present for the May Board of Trustees meeting. At that time, the trustees voted significant funding for a new initiative on campus that would help jumpstart our first-year experience program. This has been a great accomplishment. One of our professors, Jill Rasmussen, director of the new Center for Student Academic Success, has gathered an amazing group of recent graduates who are serving as academic coaches. Each first-year student will meet regularly with his or her coach, along with a host of dedicated faculty and staff.

I also attended many of the 11 summer parent-student orientation sessions. At one session, I met a mother who told me that she and her daughter had looked at many colleges and universities, and LSU was by far the best. As you can imagine, that is good news for a new president!

It also encourages me to see the way our campus church longs to play a significant role on the campus. As I've visited with the pastoral team, I've been blessed to hear how they value their ministry to our students, faculty and staff.

I am also getting better acquainted with the Riverside community. Dr. Geraty's leadership over the years has opened many doors. I am encouraged by the warm reception for LSU in the community.

Our relationship with Loma Linda University continues to be significant. I look forward to working with Ruthita Fike, CEO of Loma Linda University Medical Center, and Dr. Richard Hart, Chancellor of Loma Linda University, in a manner that will speak of our deepest commitments for the possibilities of Adventist education. I have also had many wonderful conversations with Dr. Richard Osborn, president of Pacific Union College, about our roles in educating Adventist young people.

The campus is buzzing with activity. The Eagles Nest Café is now open, and the Dining Commons renovation is beautiful. Tractors are preparing the ground for the new baseball diamond. Students are studying (we just enjoyed one of our largest summer enrollments), and some outstanding new teachers have joined the faculty.

I have found La Sierra University to be a place that resonates with optimism and hope. What a pleasure it has been to get acquainted with the people who create this learning community. I invite you to keep me, and each member of our campus family, in your prayers during this school year as we actively prepare young leaders to serve their Church and their world.

With every blessing,

Randal R. Wisbey

President