Looking Ahead to an Exciting Fall Semester

Dear Bentley Community,

Welcome to the start of the new academic year at Bentley. Whether you’re joining our community for the first time or are returning after what I hope was a summer that allowed for rejuvenation, I am thankful that you are here. The fall is a special time on a college campus, and I’m glad that we’ll be able to experience this semester as one community. After all, there is a great deal to look forward to.

We just welcomed the largest and most diverse class in the history of our university to campus in the Class of 2026. That’s important to me, because it’s crucial that we create classrooms and communities that are reflective of the world outside of our campus; a world that is made up of people from different backgrounds and beliefs with differences in orientation, experience and opinion. Because we’re a community that celebrates and learns from our differences. As you interact with peers and colleagues this semester, embrace the idea that we will not always agree or share beliefs, but we will always respect and value one another.

We’re also continuing to look ahead to the next decade and beyond for our university as we prepare to finalize an ambitious strategic positioning process that will define how Bentley remains a global leader in innovative business education. Bentley has always embraced innovation, and I’m excited to share how this plan will build on that tradition. The final plan will be completed later this fall, and I look forward to engaging with students, faculty, staff and alumni to explore how we’ll position ourselves for continued success.

While there is much to look forward to this semester, there are of course things we’ll need to continue to be mindful of on the road ahead. The pandemic has not gone away, as cases continue to fluctuate locally and abroad. However, we are a world away from where we started when it comes to the fight against COVID-19. Thanks to vaccinations, boosters and natural immunity, we can safely offer the full complement of events and engagement opportunities that should accompany fall on a college campus. As we come together again, let’s be mindful of our own health and respectful of the choices of others when it comes to masking and personal space.

I’m looking forward to connecting with each member of this community throughout the fall and can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together. Whether it’s taking in a home game, enjoying the festivities of Falcon Weekend with friends and family, or just crossing paths between classes and meetings on our beautiful campus, I hope that you’ll join me in embracing all that this community has to offer. Because studying, teaching and working on a college campus is truly a special experience.

As always, let’s continue to be well, be present and be kind. I’m thankful to be here and am excited to get to work.

Most Sincerely,
President Chrite