Earlier this week, I told the Board of Trustees that I will step down as president of Amherst College in June, 2003, the end of the next academic year. To all of you, and to the Board that hired me, I offer my fond thanks.

Many of the projects that we launched during my tenure are either completed or nearing completion: the comprehensive campaign, the strengthening of fiscal and fundraising disciplines, the reorganizing of orientation and our residential arrangements, the renewal of our academic and athletic facilities, the reforms at NESCAC and in our own admissions, the improvements to our support of research and teaching. Others, like the architectural and academic planning now underway, should be completed within the next year.

Amherst College is exceptionally strong. It is a good time to make the transition from one president to the next. And I'm eager to follow up on abiding interests that I've deferred over the years.

This has been the most challenging and rewarding job that I have ever held. We have much to do still. I look forward to working with you in the year ahead.