October 31, 2022
Dear Students,
Our College is built around a central conviction: our belief that every one of us has the capacity to change the world for the better. It’s why our faculty and staff have chosen to devote their careers here, and why our alumni and so many others are committed to helping you realize your goals. We believe in you and in the impact you will have.
This belief is rooted in more than your talent or your drive. Above all, it is about your character—the people you are and the leaders you aspire to become. Throughout my time at Gettysburg, I have experienced our students’ character firsthand and it gives me great hope for the future.
It is important to remember, however, that creating meaningful change in the world begins by giving our best selves to the people around us.
During this semester, we have wrestled with events that have underscored the essential importance of these commitments—events where members of the community have had their well-being, privacy, and, in the words of our mission statement, their worth and dignity called into question.
Even as we have seen many across the College rally in support of friends and colleagues, we as a community can and must do better to create a truly diverse and inclusive learning environment. I want to express my deepest thanks to those who have stepped forward. With the support of our new Chief Diversity Officer, College Life, the Office of the Provost, and Human Resources, among others, we are beginning to assess and develop greater clarity and cohesiveness in our policies and procedures, particularly as they impact inclusion, equity, and diversity. It is work I am committed to advancing and work we should all expect of ourselves if we are to bring about real and lasting change at Gettysburg College.
Our choices affect this community in profound ways. Our words and actions can stay with people forever. Let us commit to living our shared values and giving our very best selves to one another.
Sincerely,
Bob Iuliano
President