The Penn State Abington campus community formally welcomed Chancellor Damian J. Fernandez into the fold last week during the campus's first Chancellor's Convocation.
Fernandez's family and friends joined faculty, staff and students as the chancellor shared his bold vision for the campus, the Philadelphia region and the nation.
Some excerpts from his remarks.
The power of education
"During the past several months I have been meeting with students, faculty, staff and administrators. ... and what I heard brings us together under one common theme: Education carries the power to unlock potential, transforming individuals and communities. We believe education makes the world a better place because the education we pursue here carries a purpose beyond the self."
Inclusion and diversity
"Penn State Abington is committed to educating those at the margins, the underserved, and we are positioned to serve as a model for urban public institutions of higher education across the nation.
"Our students are the face of our nation. We are a community that is opening doors of opportunity to first-generation college students, minorities, immigrants, international students and adult learners. Walk around this campus and you will see our country reflected in all its shades. It is a compelling experience because it represents a moral imperative for our country.