Dear students,

Happy first day of classes! Whether you’re just beginning your WashU journey or returning to continue it, I’m excited to welcome you into a year of discovery, growth, and connection.

In Student Affairs, we like to explore with our students their purpose, and to personalize it further, their “Why WashU?” As we begin this academic year, I thought that you would like to hear some of your peers answer a bigger question: “Why College?” I love this video because even though the “why” varies, each student affirms that college is absolutely worth it.

You may hear people talk about the value of college and what you get out of this investment. Jobs and earning potential—yes, these are important outcomes of higher education. But they are only part of the story. The impact of a college degree also lies in the skills and values that WashU graduates learn and carry into their lives and communities: resilience, critical thinking, civic responsibility, the ability to navigate an increasingly complex world and different perspectives, and a clear sense of purpose and belonging. This is the true “why” of a WashU education—and the heart of the work we do in Student Affairs.

Through advising, coaching, mentoring, health and well-being support, and co-curricular learning, our team helps to shape your college experience beyond the classroom. We want to prepare you not only to earn a living, but to live with purpose, connection, and resilience. This is what lifelong success means to us.

As we look at the year ahead, especially if there are times when things feel challenging or uncertain, I encourage you to do the following:

  • See the humanity in others
  • Lift others up as you climb
  • Be hopeful and open to new possibilities

Your time at WashU will be filled with challenges as well as opportunities. Both are essential to your growth, and you do not have to navigate them alone. Please take time to connect with the many support systems and communities here to guide and sustain you.I look forward to connecting and learning with you. Welcome Home to WashU—where you belong!

Warmly,

Anna “Dr. G.” Gonzalez
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
@akgonzal327