Fellow Students,

Welcome to this year at Shepherd University. If you are new to our campus, I wish you an enjoyable, educational, and enriching stay here. If you are a returning student, be it for your second or even fifth year (such as myself), I hope you have been able to discover all that Shepherd University has to offer, and that you make the most of it for the years to come.

Shepherd University is in an exciting stage best described by the word “development.” This can be seen by a slew of changes, including new graduate programs, new buildings, and even a new University President. I advise you to take part in this development of Shepherd, but to also make certain that you use this time of your life to develop yourself as well. College is one of the few parts in life in which you have the opportunity and flexibility to truly grow as a person. Use this time to realize your true potential, and develop in all ways: academically, socially, and beyond.

Shepherd University has a lot to offer to assist you in this personal growth, and much of this lies outside of the classroom. For example, there are many student-led organizations: academic, social, political, etc. Our Program Board (PB) and Performing Arts Series at Shepherd (PASS) organizations offer many frequent events to attend. You may even consider being involved in our campus newspaper (The Picket), or our radio station (WSHC). Whatever you choose to do, I’d like one of your biggest resources to be the Student Government Association (SGA).

Those of us involved in the SGA are here to support and represent you. Please stay in contact with us, giving us your opinions, ideas, and more. Feel free to visit our office (located on the ground floor of the Student Center), call us (304/876-5301), or e-mail us (sgaweb@shepherd.edu). Also check our website (www.shepherd.edu/sgaweb) for more information.

Utilize this time of your life, and try your best to enjoy every minute of it. I hope to hear from you throughout this coming year, be it due to a complaint, a question, or just to say hello.

Best Regards,
Adin J. Ray, President
Student Government Association
Aray03@shepherd.edu