As Chair of the Board of Trustees and a proud alumnus of Mount Saint Mary College, Class of 1982, I am thrilled to welcome the Class of 2030 to our campus – the largest incoming class in recent memory, reflecting a more than 20 percent surge in freshman enrollment for 2026. This growth is accompanied by an influx of transfer students, adult learners, and students filling our residence halls, serving as a clear testament to the enduring value of a Mount education. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with improving our operating efficiencies and getting back to what we do best which has led to these great results.

Mount Saint Mary College has also been recognized by national and regional outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, Money, and Newsday, as one of America’s best colleges. Furthermore, being designated an Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classification reinforces what our community has long known: the Mount provides a high-caliber education that delivers transformative, lifelong career outcomes.

To meet the evolving demands of our regional workforce, we are continually expanding our academic footprint, we have launched a new Bachelor of Science in Allied Health to prepare students for vital clinical and administrative roles beyond traditional bedside care and Healthcare Management and Administration, featuring an accelerated 4+1 BS/MBA option. We are also working with local entities in the construction industry in order to offer certificate programs, as well as exploring options in the aviation industry.

As we celebrate these milestones, we know that our continued growth is dependent upon support from our Alumni and the community at large. Please join us for the Mount’s 17th Annual Gala on Thursday, October 1 at 6 p.m. at West Hills Country Club in Middletown, where we will honor Sims and Kirsten Foster for their exceptional contributions to the Hudson Valley. Tickets are available at msmc.edu/gala. Your partnership directly fuels student scholarships, empowering the next generation of Mount leaders to thrive and strengthen our local communities. Hope to see you there!