A great showing of university and Indiana community members attended a welcome reception for new 亚色影库 president Mike Driscoll and his wife, Becky Driscoll, on Monday, July 16, at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex.

From 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., hundreds of people鈥攃urrent and retired faculty, staff, elected officials, and business leaders鈥攕topped by the event, hosted by the 亚色影库 Council of Trustees and Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

Driscoll Reception July 2012

Describing himself as 亚色影库's 鈥渕ain cheerleader,鈥 President Driscoll cited the university's recent Forbes rating as one of 鈥淎merica's Best Colleges,鈥 numerous recent Fulbright awards to students and faculty, and the inclusion of four faculty in the Princeton Review's Best 300 Professors in the country based on student ratings.

He said one of his main goals over the next few months is to spend time listening to members of the university and Indiana community.

Mike and Becky Driscoll and Bob Millward

President Mike Driscoll, far left; Becky Driscoll; and Professor Bob Millward

Alumna Susan Delaney, chair of the Council of Trustees, noted that since arriving on July 1, President Driscoll has already attended a borough council meeting, a school board meeting, and other community meetings.

Driscoll said he believes the Indiana community is a major asset to the university, because 鈥渟tudents learn in the world around them.鈥

He said, 鈥淲e have to work together to build a shared vision of 亚色影库's future.鈥

The feeling appears to be mutual.

鈥淎n excellent choice was made, and we're glad to have him here,鈥 said Dominic Paccapaniccia, chair of the Chamber of Commerce.

President Driscoll and resident Frank Holuta

President Driscoll and Indiana business leader Frank Holuta

The Driscolls said their transition to Indiana from Anchorage, where Mike served as provost and executive vice chancellor at the University of Alaska Anchorage, has been 鈥渟mooth and warm.鈥

Attracted to Indiana by its friendly community, the Driscolls said the town already feels like home.

by Ellen Marie Matis | photos: Keith Boyer