Opening convocation focuses on UP’s financial growth in recent years
(Photo courtesy of fromthebarn.org)
By Amanda Blas, Staff Writer blas13@up.edu
The University of Portland faculty and staff celebrated the start of the new academic year with President Fr. Bill Beauchamp's opening convocation address Tuesday at the Buckley Center Auditorium.
Beauchamp's address centered on the University of Portland's progress over the last decade.
"We've been blessed with such wonderful growth and such utterly wonderful things have been happening. It's been a real blessing for me to be president during that time," Beauchamp said.
Beauchamp pointed out the University's financial growth, especially in contrast to the downturn of the national economy and the challenges facing higher education.
Beauchamp discussed UP's previous concerns with meeting financial obligations and how these concerns have become less of an issue. After years of struggling to survive, the University of Portland can do anything it chooses to do," Beauchamp said.
He also noted other aspects of UP's growth, such as the increase in Fulbright scholars, the number of applicants and freshmen retention rate, the expansion and transformation of campus and the success of the Rise Campaign.
"All of these things are visible signs of our successes and strengths," Beauchamp said.
The new members of the faculty and staff were also introduced at the opening convocation.
According to Lt. Col. Matthew Little, a new member of UP's Army ROTC faculty, Beauchamp's address gave him a better understanding of UP.
"It's great to hear the president talk, and it helps me to understand the last 10 years and everything the University has been through," Little said. "I'm looking forward to being here."
