University of Oregon students, faculty, staff and alumni got the chance to meet and greet the newest occupant of the president’s office in Johnson Hall.
Monday marked UO President Michael Schill’s first day in office. Schill spent time from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at a reception celebrating the start of his presidency.
Allen Hall was flooded with throngs of students, faculty and UO community members, all looking forward to meeting the new president. Schill excitedly met and spoke to many of the people in attendance from various parts of the University of Oregon community.
UO community members were ecstatic to meet Schill in person, and spoke excitedly about his first day on the job.
“There are a lot of issues on campus that I know he’s aware of, and I’m excited to see how he’s going to move forward,” said Shannon Rose, executive assistant and constituency manager of the UO Alumni Association.
“I was really excited to see his energy in person,” said James Chang, director of the Duck Career Network. “He seems so personable and so experienced in complex organizations. Coming from the alumni association, I’m excited to see how he will bring the community of both staff, students and alumni together.”
Many community members spoke highly of Schill’s outgoing personality and enthusiasm.
“He was very personable and I can see how he’s going to easily be able to connect with students and faculty,” said Erin Kopp. “My first impressions of him were very positive. I think he’s going to do really well here.”
Additionally, many UO community members were excited to see Schill interact with the community in person, and spoke of what they hoped to see from the new president.
“I am excited that he is trying to get a sense of the student body,” said Pam Palanuk, administrative director of academic affairs. “I hope he will have more face to face interactions and continue to attend events like this. I hope he will be decisive and give direction as well as involve himself at the UO, in the community and beyond.”
“It’s clear that he is passionate about being here. He is excited about the U of O,” University of Oregon Police Department Chief Carolyn McDermed said. “I can’t wait to get the opportunity to talk to him more. A good leader has a clear vision. He is someone who knows where he wants us to go and will lead us there.”
Taylor Dalton contributed to this story.