Annual Address 2015

David C. Hodge
September 9, 2015

The Year Ahead

I would like to end my remarks today with both a thank you and an encouragement. First, the thank you. Last year we appointed a creative group of 20 people from across our campuses to serve as the steering committee for this year of creativity and innovation. We had high expectations, but this group has exceeded them all. I particularly want to thank Glenn Platt and Peg Faimon who have served as co-chairs for their extraordinary efforts and leadership. I think it is fair to say that this is turning out to be one of the most creative steering groups we have ever had. Their work encouraged more than 100 people around Miami to volunteer as Creative Coaches and Creative Cohorts! I hope that you will visit the website and plug into the many events and activities that are highlighted there.

Second, the encouragement. As I noted at the outset of my remarks, our goals for this Year of Creativity and Innovation are to build our capacity to produce more creative and innovative graduates and to be a more creative and innovative university. As I have tried to stress throughout my remarks, we are already well on this trajectory and are known nationally for the innovative quality of our academic programs and operations. I have argued that the key to becoming even better is to strengthen those qualities that result in more creative individuals and a more creative institution. Significantly, most of these qualities, like curiosity and purpose, either align with or emanate from our liberal arts foundation. 

In the final analysis, this year is about acting with even more intention to strengthen a culture that is grounded in those foundations. I have no doubt that as we do so, we will contribute not only to creativity and innovation but also to the heart of our academic enterprise and the success of our students, that we will have promoted “a vibrant learning and discovery environment that produces extraordinary student and scholarly outcomes.” 

So my encouragement is to take time to learn more about creativity and innovation, to have fun with them and to explore how they can enhance your life and every aspect of Miami life.

Thank you.