Dear Yale Alumni,
My favorite time of year has arrived! Last week, classes began, and I visited one of our residential colleges — I won’t say which one — for a quick lunch. Students were discussing problem sets, schedules, roommates, and club meetings over salads, pizza, and froyo. Our students are fully immersed in the daily life of Yale.
For me, the beginning of an academic year is a chance to reflect on the work that has led up to this moment. I am very proud that we broke three admissions records for the Yale College Class of 2022. One in five of these new students is the recipient of federal Pell Grants for low-income students. This represents an increase of nearly 100% from just five years ago. In addition, 284 students (18% of the incoming class) will be the first in their families to graduate from a four-year college. Again, this is a substantial increase (75%) from five years ago. Third, we set a new record in our yield (the number of admitted students who chose to attend Yale), reflecting the exceptional work in education and research that is taking place across the university.
As we celebrate these achievements, I am happy to share with you a video, “Blazing the Trail: Being the First,” documenting the inaugural 1stGenYale Alumni Conference held last April. I had the privilege of speaking at the event, as did my wife Marta Moret ’84 M.P.H. — herself a “first-gen” Yalie. I am excited about this initiative, which brings together alumni and students who are committed to making Yale ever more welcoming, inclusive, and excellent.
Yalies are creative problem-solvers. From building the world’s first 3D-printed “supercar” to spearheading educational and health programs in South Africa, you can read about how our alumni are applying what they learned at Yale to transform communities worldwide. As entrepreneurs, business leaders, and volunteers, they are imagining — and creating — new possibilities for the future. Their stories remind me of the incredible promise of every student at Yale.
This year, I told our newest Yalies that we are all “citizens of Yale sharing a common purpose — the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.” Our curiosity, our eagerness to explore new ideas, and our commitment to improving the world connect us as members of this community. Thank you for all the ways you mentor and inspire the next generation of Yale students and scholars.
Sincerely,
Peter Salovey
President and Chris Argyris Professor of Psychology
Yale University
9/6/18