When I joined the University of Miami community, I focused my first few months on listening. I recall sitting in classrooms, lecture halls, and small-group sessions across our campuses. I filled many green cover notebooks with reflections, ideas, and aspirations. In gatherings as small as 10 people and as large as 200, I listened intently to learn what you wanted me to know. Through those conversations and interactions, I absorbed the rich diversity of our University—how different we are in where we come from, but, how alike we are in our fundamental values.
I am deeply inspired by all of you. Your passion, resilience, and pride for the U continue to be palpable. During those listening exercises, and through the days and months that followed, I also confirmed this enduring truth: That we are our most powerful when we collaborate, innovate, create, and work as one U.
I do not take closing my letters—“We Are One U”—lightly. There is a purpose and intent behind these words—to remind each of us of the transformative power of our voices and contributions in shaping our future. We each strive to feel valued and to add value. By creating an environment where this can happen, we open doors for all to engage.
On Monday, Sept. 17, I will host the first State of the University town hall meeting. I encourage you to join me at this event to gather and celebrate our progress and reflect together on the path forward to our centennial in 2025.
I continue to listen to your ideas about our University, and I want to hear from you. You can always reach me at president@miami.edu or comment to @julio_frenk on Twitter to share how you have been impacted or inspired by the power of the U.
I look forward to building together an enduring legacy for our university.
We are One U,
Julio Frenk
Editor’s note: President Frenk’s message is the first in what will be an ongoing series of columns written by leaders from across the University.
