Video summary
Four years ago, the speaker believed these welcome-back messages might be their final contribution to the series, yet they now express a deep personal longing to return to this tradition. The core excitement of the video centers on the arrival of a new school year and the return of students to campus, which the speaker views as nothing less than thrilling. This enthusiasm is directed specifically at the students, whom he describes as the very reason for their presence at Purdue, and he eagerly anticipates witnessing how they will contribute to writing the next chapter in the university's distinguished history.
Beyond his excitement for the students, the speaker offers a candid reflection on his own future within the role, noting that his primary task is to collaborate with the board of trustees to transition leadership as quickly as possible by recruiting a new, long-term leader for Purdue. Despite this impending change, he emphasizes his commitment to remaining present and accessible for as long as he continues in the position. He recalls that meeting students in person was always his preferred method of engagement during his previous decade of service, describing these interactions as both a source of great joy and a profound learning experience for himself.
The speaker concludes by expressing his sincere hope to resume this tradition of personal connection and invites the students to actively seek him out as well. He frames this mutual effort to meet one another not just as an administrative duty but as a cherished part of his identity at the institution. With these sentiments, he formally welcomes the Boilermakers back for the Fall 2026 semester, ending with his signature encouragement to "Boiler up," reinforcing the spirit of community and shared purpose that defines their time together on campus.
Read the full video transcript
4 years ago about this time, I thought I
was making the last of these welcome
back videos.
And to tell you the truth is one of the
things I have missed the most. To me,
there was nothing more exciting than the
dawn of a new school year. Seeing you
our students, the reason we're here
return to campus. I'm excited about you,
excited for you, and very excited to see
all the ways in which you will write the
next chapter in Purdue's great history.
I don't know how long I'm going to be in
this job and the first assignment is to
work with the trustees to get out of
this job as fast as possible and recruit
a great new long-term leader for Purdue.
But as long as I'm here, I hope to meet
as many of you in person as possible.
That was always my way during the decade
that I served this great institution.
And to me one of the real joys and
learning experiences personally. I hope
to resume that and I'll be looking for
you. I hope you'll look for me. So,
Boilermakers, welcome back. Boiler up.