With great pleasure and even more pride, I welcome you to the University of Illinois!

We have a lot in common. I, too, am a newcomer to the U of I, still learning more every day about our three great campuses as I begin my first academic year as president. And, like all of you, I came here for the same reason – an opportunity to be part of a truly world-class university that has helped students fulfill their dreams for nearly 150 years.

The success of our 700,000 living alumni is at the core of our global standing a leader in education and discovery. They reflect the power that our programs hold to not only transform the lives of students, but supply the best-in-class workforce that lifts society and paves the way to progress.

So my presidency is dedicated to all of you – our students of today, yesterday and tomorrow. In partnership with campus leadership, faculty, staff and our many stakeholders, I will work with you to build on our academic excellence and make the University of Illinois the gold standard for service to both students and the public good in the 21st century.

Your time here will be a springboard to achievement that will ultimately add a new chapter to our legacy. Make the most of it. Soak in the knowledge. Explore the boundless opportunities in the classroom and out. Build the friendships that will last a lifetime.

Enjoy the ride, and be sure to have some fun along the way.

Tim Killeen,

University of Illinois president