President's Report
The Inauguration of President Bridges

USI celebrated the inauguration of its fifth President, Steven J. Bridges '89 M'95, on October 16 with a ceremony held at Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles. President Bridges marked the momentous occasion with an inaugural address, excerpted below.

TODAY MAY BEAR my name as the fifth President of the University of Southern Indiana, but this day is larger than any one person. Today belongs to those who founded this institution, to the business community that had the vision to create it, to the alumni who have carried our name into the world, to our donors and supporters, and to the State of Indiana. We are stronger together, and I have the distinct honor to help lead this extraordinary collective.

OUR FOUNDING, OUR PURPOSE

To be named President of my alma mater is one of the greatest honors of my life. This University was built to serve students like me: first generation, limited in resources, seeking an affordable education close to home, working while studying and committed to making a difference in their own community.

The core values of USI—integrity, transformative learning, a welcoming environment for all and deep engagement with our community—are values that shape who I am as well. A degree from the University of Southern Indiana is a powerful investment and holds extraordinary value for our community and beyond.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

I believe the path to success for USI is both history-driven and forward-looking. USI has always had an edge, a resilience, a grit. That edge comes from our very purpose—from the challenges we faced and the ways we prevailed. It is what distinguishes us, what weaves into the fabric of this institution and who I am as its servant leader. Our reach is broad, but our roots are deep. Purpose is a powerful binder.

THE WHY

We seek to welcome 3,000 more students in the next five years. We must build on our success and create new paths forward. USI was founded by business leaders to drive the talent pipeline, to provide opportunities for families across the Midwest. Affordability and accessibility remain our responsibility.

My parents sacrificed for me to have this opportunity. Many of yours have as well. And many of you, like me, now make sacrifices for your own children and grandchildren. That cycle of opportunity is the legacy of USI.

These "whys" are not abstract. They are embodied in students I meet daily, in families who gather around kitchen tables to weigh the cost of higher education, in faculty and staff who give their lives to teaching and mentoring, and in alumni who carry the USI story into the world.

"This institution was, and is, Built on Purpose. Built to open doors.

Built to transform lives. Built to change the trajectory of families."

                                                                                 - Steven J. Bridges '89 M'95  

FAMILY, FAITH AND LEGACY

At my core, I am a husband, a father and a Pap. Rosemary and I built our lives around faith, love and service. Cory and Emily, Emma, and Abby and Jake, and now our five beautiful grandchildren, remind me every day of why we do what we do.

This institution was, and is, Built on Purpose. Built to open doors. Built to transform lives. Built to change the trajectory of families. This institution gave me the path, and it has given more than 55,000 other alumni the same.

Imagine the future we can build together. One where we live our purpose daily, ensuring that every student, no matter their background, finds a home here and a future built on possibility. Together we will build, we will serve and we will thrive—all on purpose.

Go Screaming Eagles!