At my inauguration as Rensselaer’s 18th president, almost eight years ago, I stated that greatness in a university demands that we create a “fully realized technological university.” By this, I meant that, in order to innovate, and to offer a world-class educational experience to our students, we must build on our traditional strengths, as we excel in all of our disciplines — in terms of teaching and of research. And we must lead in thinking creatively about how the disciplines intersect, connect, and inform each other. This idea also encompasses student life, recognizing that a world-class experience also must include an environment and community that nurtures, supports, and enables our young people to achieve and to excel, in all aspects of their lives.