Dear Friends:

It is a privilege and an honor to write to you today, my first day as the twentieth President of the University of California. I am both excited and humbled by the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.  I look forward to working with you.    

I bring many things with me to California, beginning with an unshakeable belief in the transformative power of education. I also bring a deep appreciation for the greatness of this university, and for what that has meant, and will mean, for the past, present, and future of the state, the nation, and the world.  

It is my intent, beginning today, to serve as the strongest advocate possible for the University of California, ready to stand up at every opportunity on its behalf, in any venue that will have me. Together, let us strive not only to maintain UC’s position as the world’s premier public university, but also to push the University forward to ever new heights.  The University of California, and California itself, expect and deserve nothing less from all of us.

Very truly yours,

Janet Napolitano President