Chris Gray, Ph.D.
Founding President, Erie County Community College
I’ve spent the vast majority of my life attuned to the rhythms of academia — first as a student, then as a faculty member, and finally as an administrator. I long ago should have stopped getting excited about a new school year. I mean, it really should get old at some point, right? That seems logical, doesn’t it? Not so far. For me, the start of a new semester still and always brings a unique blend of anticipation and nostalgia. I remember my student days so fondly, and I love watching new students experience those feelings for the first time. I’m excited for them, knowing how they are changing their lives before my eyes. Every year, it feels brand new.
So as the warm summer days begin to shorten, the cyclical rhythm of academic life starts to thrum to its familiar cadence once again. The campus, quiet and subdued just weeks ago, slowly wakes from its languorous summer slumber. Hallways that recently echoed are now filled with the sounds of students arriving, making friends, reconnecting with classmates, and swapping stories of their summer adventures; at the same time, there’s a crackle of nervous electricity as students compare schedules and syllabi as they step into the role of college learner. Oh yes, there’s a definite magic during this time of year—a palpable energy that pulses within classrooms, promising new beginnings and fresh opportunities.
At the same time, the start of a new semester is also a time for reflection. The hustle and bustle might make it seem like everything is moving at lightning speed, and it is; however, it’s also important to take a moment to look back on what we learned and how far we’ve come during these last three years. We just finished participating in the Erie Gives fundraiser, where our foundation met its goal of raising $10,000 to help support our students, and we are gearing up to add a new location to the EC3 footprint (more to come on this soon). The lessons that we’ve learned from previous years and semesters serve as the launch point for the growth and change that will take place in the months ahead. Each semester for us is a new chapter in our ever-evolving story, one that we are mindfully writing with each strategic decision that we make to move this college forward and serve our campus and students better.
As frenetic as things feel right now, this excitement and bustle will die down a bit after a few weeks. In their place will emerge a comfortable set of routines that will govern our days. But within that comfort, there’s also a call to push beyond the known, to challenge ourselves in new ways, and to embrace the growth that comes from stepping out of our comfort zones. The beauty of the college schedule is that every semester and every class offer us and our students a new chance to try new things and improve on existing practices. Perhaps my strongest commitment to EC3 is my pledge never to get too comfortable — to continue to grow and adapt in the ways that our community needs. Academia is the perfect venue for this ongoing pursuit of transformative improvement.
And while the academic minutiae of the semester will undoubtedly demand our attention at several points in the coming weeks, it’s important to always remember that we are doing so more than just the paperwork of academia; we are about more than just textbooks and exams. EC3 is about forging connections and changing the history of our city, county, state, country, and world. Our students are doing all of that, and this week brings another reminder of just how important this opportunity is for them.
So here’s to the start of another semester filled with promise and possibilities! I, for one, can’t wait.
Our community: your college.