“No bunting.” These are the words President Bierman has used to explain his vision for the college. He’s borrowed the sentiment from former New York Yankees manager Joe McCarthy who was once asked if the legendary Joe DiMaggio could bunt. “I don’t know, nor have I any intention of ever finding out,” he said. The president has the same confidence in the talents of the institution and the people who staff and support it.

Beloit College has always been a forerunner. Built on what was then the western reaches of American civilization, the college sprung to life in an entrepreneurial whirlwind. Though occasionally buffeted by wars, economic strife, or other winds, it has held fast. The secret: A supportive network that begins within the city of Beloit and stretches outward to include alumni and friends around the world. But the college can also point to a dogged determination, an entrepreneurial streak, and a proactive approach as its reasons for not only surviving, but also thriving.

With its mission statement at the fore, the college leadership will continue in the years ahead to swing away; to take confident and careful aim at advancing the college forward.

Following are just a few of the areas where the college leadership is—and will be—applying its efforts in the years ahead.

People
Recruit Beloiters. Find, in a competitive field of potential students and job candidates, the best and brightest who will thrive at the college—and find and dedicate the resources necessary to attract these individuals.

Introduce and promote Summer Reunions. This move is aimed at further enriching the connection between the college and its alumni and their families.

Identify and introduce alumni engagement programs that tie current students to alumni in mutually beneficial ways (including career services).

Programs
Become a national leader—in the liberal arts and otherwise—at putting a rigorous and rewarding college education into practice.

Continue to enhance the college’s international programs, arts initiatives, and experiential learning activities.

Engage annually in a thoughtful, mission-centric budgeting process that improves the college’s ability to fulfill its duty to its students, alumni, and its community at large.

Raise the reputation of the college nationally and internationally. Clarify and communicate the distinctive nature and quality of a Beloit College education across academe, within our community, and certainly, with potential students.

Places
Focus on providing necessary student wellness programming and facilities.

Renew the college’s physical plant and build in capacity to appropriately maintain it going forward.