In front of a packed audience of students, staff and faculty members, administrators and guests, Stanislaus State Interim President Sue Borrego kicked off the 2023-2024 academic year Thursday, Aug. 17, by delivering an inspiring Fall Welcome Address.
With nearly every seat filled in Snider Recital Hall and viewers tuning in to watch her address online via livestream, Borrego gave her first address to campus community members since she officially joined Stan State on Aug. 2.
Prior to taking the stage for her speech, Borrego spent time greeting and chatting with those in attendance, including members of Stan State’s Women’s soccer team.
“I’m stunned by the number of students here today,” Borrego said while adding that in all of her years as an administrator, she had not seen so many students at a campuswide kickoff address.
During her 30-minute speech, Borrego acknowledged new and returning campus community members, provided updates from several of the University’s divisions and colleges and shared her priorities for the coming year.
“My goal is to work with you while building on the strong sense of community Stan State is known for,” Borrego said. “We have the opportunity, responsibility and privilege of creating a learning environment that not only celebrates our differences but also harnesses the power to drive us forward. We're not just doing day-to-day work. We are shaping the future.”
She also shared stories of meeting students and alumni during her first two weeks in the Central Valley, including the family of a Warrior who was on campus for Move-In Day and an alumna in Modesto who as a single parent was able to earn her degree and is now considering a career in occupational therapy.
- Sue Borrego, Interim President
“I could continue to provide data points that tell a powerful story, but I am sure each of you sitting here or watching online has your own experience of seeing the transformative power of education on a student or family member or even yourself,” Borrego said. “I believe regional comprehensive universities like Stan State provide transformational opportunities to students, their families and communities.
“There has never been a more critical moment for higher education. The world is evolving rapidly, and skills and knowledge development are more vital than ever.”
Borrego leads Stan State this academic year while the California State University’s Office of the Chancellor conducts a nationwide search for the University’s next president.
This fall, Stanislaus State will welcome more than 9,000 students to campus, which includes approximately 1,000 first-year students and more than 1,200 transfer students, though official enrollment numbers will be tallied after the University conducts its annual census count in mid-September.
This week, students moved into on-campus housing on Wednesday, Aug. 16, and Friday, Aug. 18, during the campus’ annual Move-In Day festivities. Instruction begins at the University’s Turlock and Stockton campuses on Monday, Aug. 21.
