Rogers Report

I had a chance to join our BGSU Football team at practice this month as they prepare for their 2019 season. Let me tell you, these student-athletes, along with new head coach Scot Loeffler, are hard at work. I even had a chance to take a few snaps and participate in some drills to help the team out! I hope you join me to cheer on the Falcons tomorrow, August 28, as we open the season under the lights at the Doyt against the Morgan State Bears. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. We also have home games on September 14 against Louisiana Tech (Homecoming) and October 12 against the University of Toledo. Ay Ziggy Zoomba!

We are just weeks away from Homecoming! In addition to the football game and special events to recognize our alumni and donors, this year we are hosting new and creative programs and activities to engage a broader alumni audience. Join me at Falconland, an interactive experience of campus and all it has to offer! From our Marine Biology Lab to the Teaching Kitchen, our alumni and friends can truly explore campus. You will even recognize a few sites from previous Rogers Report videos. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

Student move-in is behind us and we are in the midst of Fall Welcome to launch the new semester. We are so excited to welcome the Class of 2023 to our learning community. In addition to the 5 percent increase in number from last year, they are the most academically prepared and highest quality group of students in our University's history, trending to have a cumulative GPA of 3.5. Beyond those impressive marks, the Honors College has seen a 19 percent increase since last year. Our highest achieving students have a place at BGSU – a university that challenges them and prepares them to live meaningful and productive lives. I cannot wait to see what these students accomplish here!

When Laurie Stevenson graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1988, she accepted a job at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Today, she is the director of the Ohio EPA, leading the agency and serving on Governor DeWine's Cabinet. I am struck by her BGSU experience and her responsibility to make a difference in Ohio. Her story, like those of many of our alumni, represents our commitment to creating pubic good, and it is that same commitment that our students, faculty and staff strive for today.

This month, 997 students graduated and officially became alumni of Bowling Green State University! We held our commencement exercises on the iconic Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle. Our speaker, Bowling Green Mayor Richard Edwards, shared important life lessons with those in attendance. A longtime public servant, community leader and advocate for BGSU, Mayor Edwards has been in his role during all the years our students graduating have been at BGSU. I am confident that our graduates will find success in their careers and be leaders in their communities.