To all members of the Northeastern community:

Northeastern University was founded more than a century ago with modest beginnings but a clear sense of purpose. Today our mission is more meaningful than ever: To educate students for lives of fulfillment and accomplishment, and to engage in research that improves the world. Even as the university has grown and evolved, this mission has remained our North Star. It does not change with the times.

I understand that the onslaught of daily news about changes in public policy—across broad areas of impact—has left many of us feeling anxious. Yet this is a time when our work has never been more important. This is not a time to retrench. Teaching continues in our classrooms. Experiential learning blossoms around the world. Our researchers pursue discoveries that improve lives by making us healthier, safer, and better stewards of our planet.

We are working tirelessly with the relevant associations in Washington, and with our peer institutions, to safeguard these activities. It is also important to recognize that each and every one of us has a role to play in helping move Northeastern forward and in shaping a shared vision for the future.

As a university uniquely in tune with the world, Northeastern has always been agile and able to adapt to changing landscapes. New strategies, new ideas, and new approaches will always be necessary to navigate challenges and identify opportunities. We may, at times, need to shift the methods by which we achieve our objectives. But our core values, the fabric of what makes Northeastern a vital institution, remain strong.

Northeastern is well-positioned for the future. Our Global University System—with campuses in three countries—provides resilience. Demand for our experiential model of education is at an all-time high. And our use-inspired approach to research leads to powerful innovations and discoveries that uplift people’s lives.

For more than 125 years, Northeastern has been a source of opportunity and discovery. Let us harness the power and possibilities of this mission to shape a better future for all.

Sincerely,

Joseph E. Aoun
President