Good afternoon AMC Community,
Welcome to the new academic year at Anna Maria College and our continued recognition of this institution’s 75th anniversary. I want to extend a special welcome to the Class of 2025. I am excited for you as you begin your college journey and want to thank you for choosing Anna Maria. In an interrupted world, I hope our campus provides you with all you need to cultivate your minds, forge lasting friendships, live with purpose, launch your career and serve others.
Our College was founded by the Sisters of Saint Anne in 1946 as part of their mission of serving the community as educators. Since then, Anna Maria has grown in so many ways, none more important than the extent to which our students and alumni advance the public good through service. The past year and a half put a renewed spotlight on the helpers and heroes – many of them Anna Maria alumni. They are beacons of hope during troubled times.
While our graduates’ impact is through service, Anna Maria’s impact is through education. Our courses are tied to the real world and our expertise is connected across disciplines. You will be challenged to think big, be different, embrace mistakes and accept change. By the time you earn your degree, you will be prepared for your career because of your experience at Anna Maria College.
I noted that this year is our 75th anniversary and we are very proud of this milestone. From signs around campus, historical displays and events, our anniversary is embedded in everything we are doing this year. I encourage you to stop and visit the history walls located throughout the campus. These artful displays tell the story of our early days as a small campus forged out of farmland to today where we sit as a vibrant, competitive and comprehensive institution. The images are true treasures. Look at the enthusiasm on the faces of past students and feel the imagination and determination of our founding Sisters. We are 75 in 2021, but young and your life experience as students now joins our enduring legacy.
This fall, I had hoped we would be in a fully post-COVID-19 situation, but here we are. Please know that the vaccine requirement, masks and other restrictions are done with your safety in mind. The College will continue to review public health guidance and will relax our policies once it is safe and prudent to do so. Still, there is a great deal planned for the fall with fun events, a full academic calendar and the return of competitive athletics. Of special note, the College will hold a tribute on Caparso Field on September 11th to mark the 20th anniversary of that tragic day. We will have distinguished speakers, an honor guard and firing detail, and a military flyover. Our first home football game will follow. I hope to see you there.
Welcome! Our campus is again filled with the wonderful sounds of students, sports and activities. It’s great to have you here. My best wishes for an enjoyable year.
Sincerely,
President Mary Lou Retelle