Connecting with our students

I want to thank all of the incoming Fall 2009 Masters students who took time out of their busy schedules to go online and "Skype" with me today.

These students have been forming a tight bond among themselves for several months now as they prepare themselves to join us this Fall. They have even come up with a special name for themselves - "Ellerites".

Most of the Ellerites who Skyped with me today were from India, Korea and around the world. It's amazing how they have already formed their "virtual" bonds which makes it so much nicer for them when they get here. They will basically have a family already formed as soon as they arrive at Tucson International Airport.

I would also like to thank Alexandra Durcikova (MIS professor), Mona Lopez (MIS Masters Advisor) and Chandu Manda (current MIS masters student) who helped me in answering some of the technical aspects of the Ellerites questions.

Building relationships with our students is foremost in my mind. They are going to truly be the Future of IT and again, I appreciate the opportunity to connect with our incoming students.