Allow me to add my welcome to your new community — Texas Christian University. You have come to a unique place, and we appreciate that you have chosen to study with us over the next four years. TCU began in 1873 with one building and 13 students in Thorp Spring, Texas.  One-hundred thirty-six years later, it still reflects the purpose and values of our founders. In the words of one of those founders, Randolph Clark, TCU is a place where “you can study, you can search for a purpose in life, and you can develop the foundations of character.”

TCU is more than a community of beautiful buildings… though we do have facilities that rival those at the greatest universities across the country.

TCU is more than a community with beautifully landscaped lawns, millions of flowers and a park-like atmosphere… though we do have those.

This is a community that values the unique individual that you are, and we savor the excitement of bringing 1,600 new, one-of-a-kind students into the life of this university.

It is in this community that you will refine your thoughts, define your character, and set forth to change the world.

We are a community where you have a place — and I don’t just mean your residence hall room. I am talking about something much bigger. Perhaps that special place will be in your academic major or your living unit or your study group or one of our 200 student organizations. Just find it and make it yours!

We are a community that values a frank interchange and dialogue, a community that values different viewpoints. We are a community that does not tolerate racism, sexism or any of the other –isms so prevalent in today’s news.

Meet new people, share new experiences and be exposed to knowledge and ideas that will undoubtedly challenge you and help you grow into the person you are capable of becoming.

We are a community that values the special relationship between teacher                        and student. Find your mentor.

We are a community that loves all things purple.  We look out for each other and we want the best for every member of the TCU family.

We are a community that values the natural environment. We take special care of our resources and always strive to preserve what is beautiful.

Most of all, we are a community that values you. 

Michelangelo said, “The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that our aim is too low and we reach it.”

Reach higher, dream bigger and muster every ounce of courage within yourself to learn, explore, grow, and push your limits.  Let this year, this class, this university set the mark for all others in terms of intellectual engagement, scholarly pursuits, ethical leadership and community involvement.

Good luck in this great year ahead.  I look forward to meeting you on campus!

Though you are the present and the future of TCU, you are here because of the rich past that formed and created TCU.

TCU’s forerunner, AddRan Male & Female College, began on the first Monday of September in 1873 with 13 pupils. It was a radical experiment, for it was among the first schools of higher education to teach young men and young women co-educationally. Of that humble beginning, Randolph Clark wrote: “In fact there was no school; it was only a purpose formed in the mind, a matter of faith and a vision of things yet in the future." The early purpose was that TCU not to be known by its name, but by as he said “the fruits of its labor”.

From those early beginnings in Thorp Spring, TCU moved briefly to Waco, and then to this very spot in Fort Worth.  Since that day, TCU has grown into a world-class, values-centered university, with seven colleges and more than 8,000 students.  It is a place where world-renowned faculty members teach small classes, conduct cutting-edge research and build lifelong mentoring relationships with students.  It is a place where the information you learn in the classroom is put into action through leadership organizations and service opportunities.

You are now a member of a unique society.  One that believes fiercely in the values of education, community, diversity, conservation, ethical leadership, responsible citizenship and a global perspective.  You will learn that you will be both challenged and supported during your journey here.  And that we have high expectations and hopes for you.