Fall 2020 Return-to-Campus #9 - Our 56th Academic Year

Friday, Aug 21, 2020

As we return to campus and embark on a new academic year, I’ve prepared a  video message and update on the state of the university  for the FAU community.

From its earliest days, FAU students, faculty and staff have shown tremendous determination to overcome adversity. In late August 1964, as FAU prepared to welcome its first students, Hurricane Cleo hit South Florida. The storm caused a great deal of damage to the new campus and delayed the start of classes by nearly a week. However, when the flood waters receded and the power came back on, FAU’s charter class arrived, excited to begin their studies at Florida’s newest university.

We now begin our 56 th  academic year and I’m reminded of the perseverance of those first Owls, and how that strength of spirit endures to this today. While the past few months haven’t been easy on any of us, I’ve watched with pride as Owls across the university stepped up to support our neighbors, uplift our students and continue FAU’s Race to Excellence. The resilience and innovation showcased during this time is truly inspiring. I’m confident that, together, we will make this another great year at Florida Atlantic University.

Welcome, Owls. We are in this together.