The Ceremony - University of La Verne

Remember La Verne Down the Road
Tell La Verne about your bequest!
Make sure your estate plans and wishes are known so that your
bequest will serve the university far into the future.
The university wants to thank you during your lifetime
and recognize you as a member of the Veritas Society.
The Veritas Society has access to special events such as
Disney Concert Hall, Hollywood Bowl, Holiday Choral Concert,
and invitations to President Lieberman’s house.
To learn more, please contact Julia Wheeler, Development Director
at (909) 593-3511, ext: 4686 jwheeler@laverne.edu
Please also visit our website: www.laverne.edu/planned-giving
TRUTH
UNIVERSITY OF LA VERNE
* VERITAS SOCIETY *
VALUE SERVICE
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
To Reach The Stars, We’ve Got To Reach Out To Each Other
Fifteen months ago, while Provost and Vice President at
Wagner College in New York City, I received a call asking
me to consider applying for the Presidency of the University
of La Verne. Although I grew up in Covina, I was only slightly
familiar with the university. However, when I read of La Verne’s
120-year history and its foundational values, I was struck by how
similar they are to the values that I hold in my own life, as well as
the priority and purpose of higher education. This feeling only
became further reinforced with each of my successive visits to this
university.
On July 1, I began my tenure as the President. Once I officially
arrived, I wanted to know everything about this fine institution.
I began by touring our beautiful campus, visiting multiple
classrooms and offices, stopping by to speak with everyone that I
met to learn about La Verne’s history and traditions. Every day
was what I called “Devorah’s magical mystery tour.” I visited with
faculty, students and staff members of nearly every department,
members of the Board of Trustees, alumni, local community
members and friends of the university. In September, I presented
our State of the University address before an overflow crowd in
the Ludwick Conference Center. On October 21, we set new
benchmarks with our successful inauguration, which was attended
by over 1,500 individuals from our 11 campuses, our greater
community and nationally. And Homecoming! What a great
day — filled with exciting events, accomplished alumni, exuberant
students and delicious food — wrapping up with a winning
football game. I have attended Board meetings, faculty retreats,
athletic events and midnight student government meetings. As
a person at the inauguration aptly described me, “She is everywhere.”
And, I have enjoyed every minute of these events and
activities. Yes, all of this keeps me very busy, but I would not have
it any other way.
One of my top priorities is to keep you informed about La
Verne’s “happenings.” Communication is key to our success. Just
look at the way social media has increased dramatically. Technology
has made it better and faster than ever, with easy access to
calling, e-mailing, skyping, Facebooking and Tweeting, to name
only a few. I will be using all of these tools to increase my accessibility
and communications with you.
Our outstanding magazine, the VOICE, is one of several
ways we communicate. Through my conversations with alumni,
I see that you will always have a special place in your heart for
La Verne. I also know it is not always easy for you, our alumni
and friends, to keep abreast of all that happens here. We are
pulled in varying directions — time with our families, careers
to pursue, and the simple requirements of day-to-day life. With
the VOICE, we take pride in presenting news and information
about the university, showcasing our ever-increasing accomplishments
and our vision for the future. There is much of which we
should be proud today and I predict that we will continue to
increase this pride in the future.
While technology is wondrous and amazing, giving us tools
to communicate faster and in more ways than ever, I believe that
balance is vital to good health. As you take time during your day
to slow down, you can enjoy stories of our special alumni and
friends here in the VOICE. We also send the wish that, as you
enjoy a leisurely stroll through its pages, you’ll remember “La
Verne... those were some of the best years of my life.”
I invite you to stay in touch with the university, with a note, a
phone call, a FAX, an e-mail, or a text. Drop us a few lines using
the Leo Lines form on the back cover of the VOICE, or, stop by,
if you are in the area. If I am not in my office, you may find me
at Davenport with our students, at Barbara’s Place with faculty or
staff, walking the track, or viewing art in one of our many galleries.
I would love to meet you, say hello, reminisce and share excitement
for the future of the University of La Verne.
Devorah Lieberman, Ph.D.
President