President Tripathi shares message of ‘gratitude’

UB President Satish K. Tripathi shared the following message with the campus community on Monday as he reflects on returning to his faculty role:

“As I prepare to return to the faculty next month, I have been asked on several occasions what stands out most from my time as president.

It is a thoughtful question, but one I have never found easy to answer.

While it is natural to reflect on initiatives or milestones, universities do not flourish by virtue of any single accomplishment. They thrive through the collective efforts of students whose curiosity and ingenuity inspire us, faculty whose teaching, creative endeavors and discoveries transform lives, and staff whose professionalism and dedication enhance every corner of our institution.

For that reason, when I look back, what I feel most strongly is not pride in a particular achievement.

It is gratitude.

I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving this extraordinary university, and for the trust and partnership you have extended to me. Throughout my presidency, I have witnessed how your work has opened doors and helped people realize possibilities they may never have imagined for themselves. 

Together, we have upheld our commitment to the greater good, and to lead with principle and purpose. The past 15 years have been made especially meaningful by your conviction in the transformative power of research and education to elevate UB and contribute to a more informed and engaged society.

While this chapter is ending for me, please know that my connection to our university remains as strong as ever. I will always cherish UB as my academic home, and I will remain forever indebted to you for your belief in our mission.

To those who laid the foundation on which we have built, to those who have carried forward UB’s bold aspirations, and to those who will lead it toward a still brighter future—thank you.”