When we said our final goodbyes to our late Winthrop University Board of Trustees Chair Glenn McCall this past Saturday, I was reminded of Glenn’s ever-present “attitude of gratitude,” and that prompts me now to first mention my thanks to each of you. Whether you were on campus or not this summer, I appreciate your being a part of our Winthrop community, contributing in ways large and small throughout the year as we endeavor together to provide an exemplary education for our students.
Glenn loved the task we gave him at move-in – driving families around as needed on campus. His chauffer role gave him a chance to introduce himself and learn more about our students and their aspirations. It’s hard to believe that our 140th academic year is just a few short weeks away, and Glenn won’t be here to enjoy it. But we will carry on as he would have wanted, and we will see what move-in role we can assign new board chair Joel Hamilton. If you are interested in helping out as well on Friday, August 22, please utilize the volunteer sign-up or reach out to Julie Schrader with questions.
Here are some updates to help inform and guide you through the next few weeks.
New Dining Services Partnership
After a lengthy RFP process, I am pleased to announce that we have a new partner in dining services as well as snack and beverage vending on campus. Chartwells is the recognized leader in contract food service management, hospitality, and guest service at over 320 colleges and universities in the United States. The company invests in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring campus communities together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. A division of Compass Group USA, Chartwells is known for excellence in culinary, nutrition, technology, and sustainability, and it brings truly unique dining experiences to every campus. Until the new Winthrop dining services website is ready, you can learn more about Chartwells here.
Branding and Marketing
Our strategic plan branding and marketing initiative is making great progress. We are thrilled to be working with our partner agency, 160over90, a leader in the higher education marketing space that is well-known and respected for their highly creative and bold campaigns. In April, we kicked off the discovery phase of the project, where the 160over90 team got a crash-course in all things Winthrop. This included a two-day visit to campus where they conducted over 20 in-depth interviews with more than 65 individuals across campus. Using all they learned in discovery, 160over90 recommended an exciting internal brand strategy that will guide our creative and communication efforts moving forward. Now, they are working on creative concepts that will bring this strategy to life. They will present their first drafts to our University Communications and Marketing team this week. We are excited to see what they develop and to later share the final creative campaign with you all.
Enrollment
As we quickly approach the start of the academic year, I know we are all interested in our enrollment outlook. While it is still too early to forecast final numbers as those won’t be officially captured until October, I can share some preliminary numbers. To date, 1,037 freshmen (up 16% from last year) and 338 transfer students (up 17% from last year) have put down deposits to attend this fall. These preliminary new student enrollment figures are very encouraging, but there is still work to do to finish the class with about a month left before the fall semester begins. Recruitment is a campus-wide effort, so I thank each of you for contributing to this good news.
Welcome Back and Convocation/Blue Line
Please save the date for our Welcome Back event on Monday, Aug. 18, at 10 a.m. in Richardson Ballroom. I’ll deliver some brief remarks, and then we’ll spend the rest of the time catching up with one another. Offices will close from 9:45-11:15 a.m. for everyone to attend.
On Monday, Aug. 25, at 11 a.m., we will hold Convocation--for the first time in many years--in Byrnes Auditorium! This will be my first time experiencing this special moment in Byrnes, and I hope you’re looking forward to it as well. I’d also like to share that this year’s Convocation will incorporate a new tradition. Each incoming student will receive an LED candle to light at the end of the ceremony. This symbolic act represents the light of learning, shared values, and the connection between past, present and future members of the Winthrop community. This is sure to be the start of a memorable tradition. Following Convocation, the Blue Line will proceed to the front lawn for our traditional picnic. Offices will close from 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for everyone to attend Convocation and the lunch. More information will be coming about these events, but please mark them on your calendar.
As I stated above, I do appreciate all that you do for Winthrop. Please enjoy the rest of the summer, and I look forward to seeing you soon as things ramp up for the fall semester!
Always an Eagle,
Edward
Edward Serna
President
