It has been my honor to serve as the interim president of Donnelly College. As you’ve hopefully heard, Monsignor Stuart Swetland, S.T.D., became Donnelly’s seventh president on July 1.
While we stand on the cusp of a new, exciting era in Donnelly’s history—and as I transition out of the president’s role to resume my post on Donnelly’s Board of Trustees—I’d like to reflect on the last few months.
As a long-standing member of Donnelly’s Board, I was already closely acquainted with our history, vision and purpose before stepping in. I understood the uniqueness of Donnelly’s story and the community we serve, and felt that working in support of an institution with such an impactful mission is a privilege.
And now, after working even more deeply in the trenches, so to speak, my point of view has been forever changed.
I’m more inspired. I feel more privileged than ever.
I’ve witnessed the depth and breadth of the Donnelly College commitment from a front-row seat. Each and every day, in a variety of ways, both faculty and staff truly live out the charge to serve those who might not otherwise be served. The time, talent, expertise and energy that they consistently commit to the betterment of our institution and students—and to the greater community—is awe-inspiring.
I’ve also gotten to know many of Donnelly’s students. Our scholars come from every imaginable walk of life. Some are first generation college students; others are not. Some enroll right out of high school; others seek degrees later in life. They hail from the Kansas City metro area and from halfway around the globe. They’re all very different, but are bound by one common thread: all are reaching toward the promise of a more fulfilled life through education’s transformative power.
And, through my interactions with the students, I’m continually reminded why we do what we do.
I want to extend my most heartfelt appreciation to our faculty, staff, students, Board and the broader Donnelly community for assisting me over the last seven months.
During my tenure, while we searched for a new leader, all of you were diligent about maintaining our standards for excellence in instruction and service, in operations and in learning. I sincerely thank you.
Bob Bartunek
While we stand on the cusp of a new, exciting era in Donnelly’s history—and as I transition out of the president’s role to resume my post on Donnelly’s Board of Trustees—I’d like to reflect on the last few months.
As a long-standing member of Donnelly’s Board, I was already closely acquainted with our history, vision and purpose before stepping in. I understood the uniqueness of Donnelly’s story and the community we serve, and felt that working in support of an institution with such an impactful mission is a privilege.
And now, after working even more deeply in the trenches, so to speak, my point of view has been forever changed.
I’m more inspired. I feel more privileged than ever.
I’ve witnessed the depth and breadth of the Donnelly College commitment from a front-row seat. Each and every day, in a variety of ways, both faculty and staff truly live out the charge to serve those who might not otherwise be served. The time, talent, expertise and energy that they consistently commit to the betterment of our institution and students—and to the greater community—is awe-inspiring.
I’ve also gotten to know many of Donnelly’s students. Our scholars come from every imaginable walk of life. Some are first generation college students; others are not. Some enroll right out of high school; others seek degrees later in life. They hail from the Kansas City metro area and from halfway around the globe. They’re all very different, but are bound by one common thread: all are reaching toward the promise of a more fulfilled life through education’s transformative power.
And, through my interactions with the students, I’m continually reminded why we do what we do.
I want to extend my most heartfelt appreciation to our faculty, staff, students, Board and the broader Donnelly community for assisting me over the last seven months.
During my tenure, while we searched for a new leader, all of you were diligent about maintaining our standards for excellence in instruction and service, in operations and in learning. I sincerely thank you.
Bob Bartunek