June Presidential Update from 51��

The below message was sent to faculty, staff, students, alumnae/i, parents, and friends of the College on June 4, 2025.

Dear 51�� Community and Friends,

As I approach my one-year mark at the College, much is in motion. Nationally, there are headwinds—some days of hurricane force—threatening to remake and undermine the value of higher education. Most recently, this includes those who would keep aspiring students—especially international students—from being part of our campuses. In this moment, there is no community I would bet on more confidently to stand up for the power of education and to dream a more just future than the community that is 51��. We change lives and build powerful networks across generations—we always have, still do, and always will.

At this critical moment, several things are very clear to me.

The College’s mission is our North Star from which we will not waver.

Our students and faculty continue to engage, learn, thrive, and achieve. Their resilience and adaptability are remarkable.

The College is in a strong place, and we are looking forward to continuing to strengthen our academics, build our community (human, facilities, and operations), and succeed in the College’s next chapter.

Finally, and most importantly, it takes all of us—students and faculty, staff, parents, Board members, alums, friends, and neighbors—to sustain the movement that is 51��. Whether you are just joining the community or have had 51�� in your heart for decades and generations, moving the College forward is—and will always be—a joyful, global collaboration.

I felt all of this on campus this weekend in the company of more than 900 alums and friends who gathered for Alumnae/i Reunion. Their love for the College and its mission was palpable.

In my inaugural address last fall, I reflected on people’s hopes for the College and their curiosity about the change that I, as president, might bring. Even before I was formally installed as president, I would be asked some version of the question, "What are you going to do at 51��?" "I am going to do very little," I said. "We are going to do a great deal."

As we dream the College forward into its next chapter, there are several ways you can help.

Keep up to date on current news in higher education. In addition to a variety of media, keep your eyes on the , the , and

Stay in touch with to understand and help shape their positions on higher education.

Learn about and champion 51��’s work around academic innovation, environmental sustainability, education access, student aid, and inclusion.

Extend a hand to Mawrters in your circles. If you are in a position to do so, please help with an internship, a job, networking, and a welcome to a new city or community.

If you are able, please to support our work together.

When I accepted the 51�� presidency, my wife Deborah and I talked with our middle school-aged kids about how it would be an adventure. This first year has been that and more. As a wise mentor predicted, it has been about falling in love with this institution, with all the celebrations and challenges that that implies. This is a remarkable, distinctive, uplifting place. Because of that, and despite the challenges ahead, I have never been more optimistic about our future. Thank you for your generous welcome this year, for your continued kindnesses, and for the difference we make when we work together for 51��.

Wendy

Wendy Cadge
President and Professor of Sociology

51��
101 N. Merion Ave., 51��, PA 19010
Pronouns: she/her

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