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August 26, 2024

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

Welcome to the 2024-25 academic year and the start of our fall semester!

I hope that you had a rewarding summer and have returned with enthusiasm for a school year that is brimming with excitement and energy. This past week we welcomed our Â鶹ӳ»­FIT class of about 3,500 students, all who have learned what it takes to be part of The Wolf Pack Family. To everyone on our campus — faculty, staff and students — who are new to our institution, welcome! And to those who are returning, thank you for all that you continue to do on behalf of our University.

Together, as we embark on our 150th year, we are more dynamic, influential, and high-achieving than ever before. This academic year we will focus on our mission of innovative and transformative research, scholarly endeavors that transcend and uplift, and fostering a culture of student success.

As part of our sesquicentennial anniversary, I look forward to sharing many exciting opportunities for celebration with you. These will include a screening of a 150th anniversary video and the release of a through the University of Â鶹ӳ»­ Press, as well as the official celebration of a mural honoring the Great Basin Tribes, which recognizes the original stewards of the land.

In celebration of our sesquicentennial, our “Great 98” Legacy License Plate auction reached its $100,000 goal in support of student scholarships and our on-campus food pantry, Pack Provisions. The campaign raised funds through an online auction of the first 98 University sesquicentennial license plates. The effort also helped fund needed upgrades to Pack Provisions, and a portion will go to a full-time staff position to support students. In addition to this new position, Pack Provisions will have volunteers, three social work interns, and student staff to continue providing support for the more than 12,000 visits received each year. The food pantry is located in the Center for Student Engagement on the 3rd floor of the Joe. It is open to all students, faculty, and staff, providing easy access to those in need.

I am also pleased to share the launch of our new , an interactive digital tool, designed to enhance campus navigation. Our map has user-friendly wayfinding features to quickly plot the fastest route to any location on campus. It also features beautiful renderings of all of our buildings and landmarks, virtual tours, and listings for campus services and support. The map can be found at and accessed on any smart phone or computer.

As we navigate the unfolding events of the year to come, both nationally and globally, I want to reaffirm our commitment to the value and freedom of peaceful expression on our campus. We will be steadfast in our mission to be a place where acceptance, understanding and diversity of perspectives are practiced by the members of our campus community. Our focus will continue to be fostering mutual respect and promoting understanding among The Wolf Pack Family.

We stand at a remarkable moment in our University history, and I am thrilled to share this journey with you. I wish you all the best this semester and…

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President