As the medieval poet and Anglican priest, John Donne observed: “No man is an island; each man is a piece of a continent.” Although several centuries later we have come to use inclusive language to describe that truth, I most certainly wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the support of my dear wife, Donna, my wonderful colleagues at the University of South Carolina, and so many of you throughout this state.

I’m nearing the end of my third year of Bow Tie Bus Tours during which I criss-cross the state on a USC minibus over a period of several months, typically starting from our home at 6:45 in the morning and returning about 10:00 p.m. Last Monday I was in St. Matthews, Moncks Corner, Charleston, and Sullivan’s Island. Next Monday I’ll be visiting people in Newberry, Greenville, Greenwood, and North Augusta.

But no matter where I go, I tell everyone -- especially prospective students and their parents -- what a terrific place Columbia is. After all, USC and Columbia are a package deal: together, the two create a synergy that make Columbia and the University an unusually attractive place to come to school, to live and to do business. When I visited Columbia during the University’s presidential search, I was struck by the sense of community, not just on the Carolina campus, but throughout Columbia. There was a sense of enthusiasm and optimism, a “can do” spirit that I wanted to be a part of. I vowed that if I became Carolina’s president, I would work tirelessly to ensure that the entire University would be characterized by that spirit, and work toward the goal of the Columbia and Carolina communities becoming one.

Donna and I had a very special introduction to Columbia. You may recall that during my first 19 months as president we lived in a home in the University Neighborhood at the corner of Gregg and Pendleton Streets, while the President’s House was being renovated. During that time the phrase “good neighbor” took on a whole new meaning for me. I learned, at first hand, to respect and appreciate the meaning of that term, as well as its implicit sense of community.

There’s something very special about a community.... whether it’s an urban neighborhood, a college campus, an entire city.... that provides a source of strength and support, a wellspring of memories, a venue for debating ideas and affording a catalyst for change. But most of all, in any community, whether big or small, it’s where bonds are forged and relationships are built.

Columbia is a community that is definitely on the move. Carolina is a University on the move. And with the support of the Gamecock family and the Columbia community with which it is inextricably intertwined, we will move upward and onward – together, in the worlds of an old favorite hymn: “All one body we.” Thank you.