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The following message from President Wendy Raymond was sent to the College community on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
The U.S. election cycle has many enduring features, including the uncertainty that characterizes transition periods between administrations. Such a sense of future unknowns and speculation can feel particularly pronounced this election year, as we look ahead to the work of the federal government that includes leaders who are outspoken about multiple issues of import to higher education.
I have led Haverford during years of significant global uncertainty, during which moving into uncertainty has been imperative. Leaning into – and learning during – uncertainty becomes easier and creates paths forward when it is fueled by clear principles. As we and other colleges across the country prepare for the next chapter in federal governance, I find myself engaging with uncertainty by embracing what I do know. When it comes to Haverford, there are many 'knowns'.
Our mission and values are enduring. Forty people have served as president of the United States of America since Haverford's founding 191 years ago, when Andrew Jackson was in the White House. Their agendas have come and gone, but the founding principles of Haverford – an intellectual and engaged learning community based on Quaker values – remain strong and relevant.
Our approach emphasizes flexibility – of thought, and in approach. Critical inquiry and ethical practice will always matter in our world. As we continuously evolve Haverford’s curriculum, for example within areas like entrepreneurship and ethical inquiry, we are preparing students for lives of integrity, ambition, and purpose, no matter their path in life.
Our differences are our strength. Our emphasis on shared experience and the responsibility of individuals to community enables every Ford to learn how to live – with others, across difference, and for the betterment of all.
Now more than ever, the world needs more Fords. As president, I will work to enable every student to make the most of the opportunities before them, while safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of all.
As Haverford and other colleges prepare for possible new directions from the incoming Trump administration and Congress, I want to remind everyone of the College’s commitments in a few specific areas germane to higher education. First, Haverford will meet the full demonstrated need of all enrolled and admitted students even if the government decreases its commitment to federal financial aid. Second, we are attentive to the needs and concerns of our international students through our Office of International Student Support. Third, students, faculty, and staff with questions about DACA or immigration matters can find a range of resources here. And finally, with respect to LGBTIQ+ community members and all those who fear a rollback of rights or opportunity, we will support you tomorrow as we do today.
Relevant departments across the College will keep community members apprised of new developments on these and other fronts while doing all we can to support those who may be negatively impacted by any national policy changes.
In the meantime, as we move toward the conclusion of the current semester, I'd like to share a number of developments here at the College, below.
Thanks for all you do for Haverford. I look forward to sending future updates and hope to see you in person at upcoming events, whether here on campus or, for alumni and families, when I visit your hometown.
Wendy Raymond
President
Comprehensive Campus Plan

Thanks to the eager and thoughtful participation of our campus community and numerous Fords worldwide, we are close to finalizing our Comprehensive Campus Plan (CCP). As Haverford approaches its third century, this roadmap sets a bold course for the evolution of our physical campus, aligning with the ambitious vision of Haverford 2030. CCP implementation will upgrade existing spaces and shape new development consistent with our long term educational, programmatic, financial, and environmental goals. Look for a December release, including news about our new Michael B. Kim Institute for Ethical Inquiry and Leadership – a foundational element of our future.
Meeting the Moment

Events worldwide, from the war in the Middle East to the U.S. election, have reverberated everywhere over the past year. At Haverford, like elsewhere, our community has grappled with the local impacts of national and global issues. Our longstanding commitment to continuing revelation and building mutual understanding through dialogue is finding expression through our Meeting the Moment program. Hundreds of us have already participated in this year-long effort designed to open eyes, minds, and hearts by inviting campus members to engage with issues, questions, and points of view that challenge expectations and expand comfort zones. We look forward to a second semester of providing new and renewed ways of critically thinking together about issues that impact the College community, and the smaller communities therein, through conversation, education, and bridge-building.
Financial Planning for Next Year and Beyond

Delivering the Haverford experience requires a significant financial commitment, exceeding the College’s tuition, fees, room, and board. This difference is met primarily through philanthropy via the Annual Fund and the income from our endowment, which result from generations of financial support from alums and friends. I'm pleased to report that the College has once again balanced both last year's budget and is on track for the current year. This year has also seen a number of new developments designed to build and strengthen institutional resilience as we embark upon a comprehensive fundraising campaign that will implement elements of Haverford 2030. Our move to outside investment firm Investure is already bearing fruit as we position the endowment for long-term stability and growth while supporting our annual operating needs. Meanwhile, the College is completing its inaugural study on employee compensation as part of Haverford 2030’s goal to enhance market-competitiveness and equity for our faculty and staff salaries. The newly designed system will facilitate transparency and enable the College to address those salaries below their benchmarks; there will be no salary cuts. Related, College finances have figured into two episodes of Fords Forum, a regular online gathering that unpacks elements of College life with the benefit of perspectives from outside experts, including alums. Conversations about endowment management and our finances are just two that I've hosted recently.