Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:
As we head into our extended Thanksgiving break, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on this semester’s successes, and express my gratitude for the many ways you strengthen our University.
Our students and faculty have distinguished themselves through scholarship, creativity, and competition. The Model UN team represented Monmouth with distinction at Oxford University, earning recognition for diplomacy and collaboration. The new Cyber Hawks delivered a strong showing in their national cybersecurity contest debut, demonstrating the practical strength of our academic programs in technology and defense. The Debate Hawks excelled in regional tournaments, continuing a proud tradition of critical inquiry and persuasive communication.
Our student-athletes also excelled both on the field and in the classroom. This season, a number of our fall teams—men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, and football—posted strong performances and represented Monmouth with pride. Equally impressive, the latest NCAA Graduation Success Rate reports that 91 percent of Monmouth student-athletes earned their degrees, with a dozen programs earning perfect scores.
The fall semester also saw continued momentum for the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music. The 50th anniversary of “Born to Run” brought scholars, artists, and visitors from around the world to explore the history and impact of American music. We also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Urban Coast Institute, whose research has advanced coastal sustainability in New Jersey and beyond.
As you gather with family and friends, or find your own way to rest, I hope you’ll take a moment in the coming days to step back and recognize what we’ve accomplished together. I look forward to finishing the semester with energy, enthusiasm, and success when we return.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President