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Raj Echambadi: Dear members and friends of the Illinois Institute of Technology community. I am Raj Echambadi. I am deeply humbled and honored to be the next president at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

I am especially grateful to the Board of Trustees and to the search committee for the enormous trust they have placed in me in order to lead such a singular institution that has built and sustained a legacy of excellence and inclusive innovation.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to President Cramb, and to all of the presidents before him, for their leadership in building an institution that was born out of the purpose of harnessing the collective power of difference in order to advance technology for all.

Illinois Tech has come a long way since that “Million Dollar Sermon” by Reverend Frank Wakely Gunsaulus in 1890 where he talked about investment in education so that we could develop impactful leaders out of students from all diverse backgrounds so that they could thrive in a modern industrial society.

That vision is still relevant today thanks to the tireless efforts of our faculty and staff, and also because of the time, talent, and treasure from the alumni, donors, and friends.

Illinois Tech has been an opportunity engine enabling our students’ economic mobility by offering exceptional and world-class technology and innovation across multiple disciplines. Never has this mission been more relevant as we rise out of this global pandemic in order to meet the challenges and opportunities of this unprecedented moment.

Illinois Tech, through its multidisciplinary and entrepreneurial ethos, is well prepared to lead into the future of abundant and thriving opportunities. A future that creates pathways and offers incredible possibilities is essential for extraordinary innovation, for an inclusive economy, and for our long-run social equity.

�糵���� is one of the great cities of the world, and also a fount of technological growth and promise. There are tremendous opportunities for Illinois Tech to serve and advance Bronzeville, �糵����, and the broader global community.

Illinois Tech has the requisite capabilities to build upon our historic strengths and chart a vibrant future.

My family and I are excited to be a part of this journey.

I look forward to working with the board, Provost Kilpatrick, and, of course, all of you.

We have a very bright future ahead. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.