On behalf of the College’s Board of Trustees, it is my pleasure to add my welcome as we launch the 117th academic year of Pomona College. In particular, I bring warm greetings to the students who are with us in this hall today. I saw a cartoon recently that depicted a young man, perhaps about 17 years of age, sitting at his kitchen table with his mom and dad. The dad is speaking, and he says, “Son, your mother and I have talked, and we have decided to financially support you for the rest of your life. We have figured out that this will be cheaper than sending you to college.”

We are flattered and honored indeed that you have chosen to come to Pomona, when each of you has the talents and the accomplishments to have instead attended any number of other top-rated colleges and universities. And we recognize that your investment with us is not just financial - more significantly, it is of four of the most important years of your life. We commit to provide you with one of the most exceptional educational experiences available in the world today, and to do it in a way that is fun and that further piques your curiosity for learning throughout your life.

Indeed, you will later reap ample rewards from your years spent here, again not just financial. As Kingman Brewster, then the President of Yale, said: “Perhaps the most fundamental value of a liberal [arts] education is that it makes life [so much] more interesting.”

These are our pledges to you. Please hold us to them.

Pomona is one of our nation’s preeminent colleges. In turn, the greatest wealth of Pomona College consists of the truly exceptional men and women that it harbors and incubates. In front of me are some of the brightest and most energized students that any college could hope to attract; among us are staff members who expertly deliver a safe, quiet, and efficient learning environment day in and day out; behind me is a deeply distinguished faculty, one completely dedicated to undergraduate teaching. You have just heard from Dean Kates, a man whom we are most fortunate to have overseeing the academic endeavors of this great college. Close behind me are several of the College’s trustees, who without any remuneration dedicate many hours every year toward assuring that Pomona College comes ever closer to realizing its fullest potential.

But, the president of the College, more than any other individual, sets the tone and leads the way. Prior to this year, Pomona had only eight presidents in its 116-year history, and in fact only three in the last 62 years. It is a rare and exciting time at the College when we can welcome and embrace a new president, and this is one of those unique moments. President David Oxtoby, who will shortly be introduced to you as the ninth president of Pomona College, was unanimously elected to this position by the Board of Trustees after an exhaustive national search and the extensive involvement of every college constituency, including students, faculty, and staff. In admissions terms, we went out seeking a star quarterback and debating champion, with a 1600 SAT to boot. And, metaphorically speaking, that is exactly what we got. David Oxtoby is well-prepared to lead this distinguished college.

In a sense, President Oxtoby is also matriculating this year, and we energetically welcome him as well. I’m betting that he’s got butterflies at this moment just as do those of you in the entering class of 2007. There is so much for all of you to anticipate and to accomplish together. So get to know President Oxtoby; I know he will wish to know each of you. With the great talents that you all share with him, adroitly stimulated by this remarkable faculty, it promises to be a wonderfully spirited and productive year ahead. Have fun!