Dear Marietta College Community,
Every summer on campus, as I speak with alumni, students or parents, there is a sense of surprise — and definitely pride — when they realize that our beautiful campus doesn’t go quiet during the summer months. The assumption that there isn’t much happening here is quickly erased by the images of our amazing students leading orientation programs, the many renovations and updates happening to campus, and the feeling of forward momentum as we prepare for the coming academic year.
The energy and excitement has been boundless at Marietta College this summer and getting stronger every day!
PioSOARs — our summer orientation advising and registration programs — have been bustling with incoming students and you can see the bonds already developing among the Class of 2022. In a few weeks, they will begin their Marietta journey as they move into their residence halls and sign the rolls at Matriculation. It’s also invigorating to know that we will have between 400 and 420 new students this fall — by far our largest group since the mid-2000s.
Anyone who has been on campus has also noticed the various renovation and construction projects. The most noticeable updates are occurring at Don Drumm Stadium and Marietta Field. Pioneer Pride will be on full display this fall at these facilities after each receives new FieldTurf synthetic surfaces. Rather than the traditional green, the field at Don Drumm — where football and men’s lacrosse play — is gray with contrasting shades every five yards and Marietta Field — where men’s and women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse play — features navy blue turf.
Another major renovation has been taking place in the Band Hall, which is attached to the Physician Assistant Studies building. In addition to installing a new roof to the entire structure, we have also invested in the band’s rehearsal space to include an ID card reader for 24/7 access to students, new lighting, acoustic treatment, multiple stereo speakers, projectors and screens, recording capabilities, Wenger Sound Loc practice rooms and individual storage lockers, classroom and office spaces, a music library, restrooms and storage areas.
This summer, we have committed in excess of $3.0 million in much-needed repairs and upgrades. Many of them are not as flashy as the fields and band hall, but they are equally important (roof repairs, new boilers, and furniture for classrooms and residence halls). These upgrades will help us make a serious dent in deferred maintenance across campus.
We are also extremely happy and ready to offer five new majors: Actuarial Science, Computer Science, Environmental Engineering, Music Therapy and Musical Theatre. Students are interested in majoring in these programs and future employment opportunities are bright. Thanks to our faculty for developing a curriculum for each major that took advantage of many classes that we already offered.
The College’s senior leadership team enjoyed a successful and enthusiastic retreat with the College’s Board of Trustees in Columbus in July. Most importantly, we looked at how the College can continue to raise money to invest in priorities like a new student center and scholarships to help students defray the cost of tuition.
At the heart of the College’s ability to carry out its mission are, of course, our faculty and staff. It’s an honor to work closely with every one of them. Here’s to a fantastic 2018-19 academic year.
Bring Forth a Pioneer!
Bill Ruud
President and Professor of Management