Yesterday, I had the privilege in participating in a conference call with ten alumni from MWU, representing all of our colleges. The call was with a member of the accreditation team that was reviewing our University. The accreditor asked a simple question: How has MWU prepared you for your job in health care?

I was humbled by the responses our alumni gave. They spoke about how our faculty taught them to practice health care. They gave examples of going into clinical settings and feeling confident in their abilities. They shared that now that they are in practice and in some cases teaching other students, they realize how well MWU graduates have been trained. The alumni who are not in hiring positions emphasized that they know they are getting a good employee when they recruit at MWU.

Beyond the overwhelming support of MWU's educational programs, the alumni spoke about their pride in their alma mater. Many have watched the University grow from a single college on a single campus to now many programs at two campuses. They commented on the quality of our students and our faculty and how they can see that out in the clinical environment. They shared that they look forward to seeing where the University will be in the next ten years of continued growth and development.

When we hung up the phone after the meeting, I felt very honored to be part of the MWU family. I shared with the accreditor that we are so proud of our alumni and realize that they are "Midwestern University" in their communities, at their hospitals and pharmacies and practice sites, and to their patients. They represent us so well and they are the reason MWU continues to have a great reputation.

What matters to our alumni is the quality training they receive in all of our programs. What matters to them are the exceptional basic science faculty and caring clinical mentors who have taught them both the science and the art of health care. Our alumni are well-prepared to be great practitioners. They are ready to serve the needs of their patients and their community.

So, to Hal and Ed, to Tony and Alan, to Kevin and Chenery, Marsha and Chrissy, Allison and Asha: Thank you for your support of MWU and for what you do every day that reflects positively on us. You matter to MWU, and we appreciate your support and celebrate your success.