Welcome to Campus from President Ambar

Dear Obies,

For many of us in Oberlin’s campus community, the turn of the calendar to late summer signals something special: a time filled with excitement, new beginnings, and yes, a few nerves. Whether you’re arriving for the first time or returning to familiar paths and faces, this is the season when we come together—to welcome one another, to lend a hand, and to remind ourselves that every day here brings the chance to grow in meaningful and lasting ways.

As we end our first days of classes, let me be among the many to say: You are exactly where you’re meant to be. You’ve arrived in a place of unlimited possibility, surrounded by people—your professors, peers, and staff—who are eager to support you and see you thrive. This is the Oberlin community. Welcome once again. 

So I say to each one of you: Make the most of your time here. Like many students, you likely arrived with a few ideas—or maybe a lot of ideas—about the classes or the research or the performances you’re ready to dive into. And Oberlin is absolutely the place for all of that. But it’s also the place to take a chance on that class you didn’t know you’d love or that club you’ve always wondered about, to have conversations that challenge and inspire you. It’s a time to learn through exploration. This is your time to stretch, engage, wonder, and grow—not just as students, but as collaborators, leaders, and changemakers. This moment, above all else, is a time to indulge your curiosity.

On our very campus, there are plenty of new things to experience: brand-new Woodland Hall, where 400 Obies now make their homes. A terrific new Campus Store next to our library. Thoughtfully crafted new programs in Music Theater and the BA+BFA in Integrated Arts, and inviting new learning spaces like Conservatory East Studios and newly renovated Bosworth Hall—the new home of Data Science, Business, and Creative Writing.

And we are especially proud to launch a new major in Environmental Science, a timely arrival as we celebrate the achievement of carbon neutrality on our campus—a powerful testament to what our community can do when we share a bold vision.

New beginnings can also bring uncertainty. That is natural. But I believe the most rewarding experiences come when we step through those moments of hesitation and choose energy and curiosity. Let’s take on the challenges—and the possibilities—together.

Welcome to campus, and welcome to a new year of discovery and exploration.

Warmly,

Carmen Twillie Ambar
President, Oberlin College and Conservatory