It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to a new academ-ic year at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).

To our new students, I congratulate you on your admis-sion and welcome you to UMB. In fact, I am joining you as a newcomer. This is my first year as the UMB president.

We are recognized nationally and internationally for our academic excellence and vibrant interdisciplinary schools and programs. The education you will receive here is among the finest in the world and will prepare you to take your place as leaders and innovators in your respective dis-ciplines.

To our returning students, welcome back! I wish you con-tinued success in your pursuit of academic and profession-al excellence. You have moved one step closer to achieving your goals; UMB’s faculty and staff remain committed to making your experience a rewarding and fulfilling one.

UMB, for all of us, is a very special place. It is special be-cause each of our graduate and professional schools is nationally ranked and attracts the best and brightest re-searchers, faculty, and students. We have harnessed these talents to successfully pursue competitive research fund-ing. In fact, we are among the fastest growing universi-ties in the nation for annual sponsored research dollars awarded.

Another factor that makes UMB exceptional is the fact that our excellence and commitment extend beyond our classrooms, laboratories, and clinics. As an urban public interdisciplinary institution, we are uniquely positioned to positively impact our surrounding communities—and we are doing just that. Our faculty, staff, and students vol-unteer countless hours toward community and civic en-gagement projects, and I look forward to enhancing these traditions by promoting interdisciplinary education and service learning initiatives.

As a student you have the opportunity, indeed a responsi-bility, to continue to build on our great traditions on and off campus. An important opportunity available to you is the time-honored tradition of student governance and co-curricular involvement—both of which are important av-enues for ensuring the University’s strength and vibrancy. I encourage you to share your ideas about how the Uni-versity could be made better through your involvement in student organizations, your school or program’s student governance, and the campuswide University Student Gov-ernment Association.

You will find that the newest addition to our campus, the Southern Management Corporation Campus Center (SMC), provides an ideal venue for interdisciplinary col-laboration and involvement. The SMC Campus Center is designed to facilitate meetings with other students, faculty, staff, and alumni. With a fully equipped recreation and fit-ness center, swimming pool, elevated running track, din-ing options, conference and meeting rooms—and places just to relax—the SMC Campus Center is the perfect place to replenish your mind, body, and spirit in the company of others from across our campus.

As we begin this exciting new year together, I extend to you my best wishes for a successful and enriching experi-ence here at UMB.

Sincerely,

Jay A. Perman, MDPresident