President-elect Bruno, wife Diane visit campus; meet with students, administration, community

Students were not the only ones to returning to campus last week. President-elect Dr. Joseph Bruno and his wife Diane also returned to Marietta College on Jan. 18 and 19 to become more acquainted with their new home. Bruno's full schedule included meeting with community members, attending his first Pioneers basketball game and dining with students and administrators. During this time, he shared his vision for the campus.

"This is a spectacular institution—just the place we were hoping to join," Bruno said. He noted that Marietta College is serious about its mission and is in a great place; however, he was quick to say that any great institution is never content to merely stand in one place. He is welcoming the chance to move Marietta College into its next phase. Bruno's experiences in positions ranging from provost to professor during his 28 years at Wesleyan University in Connecticut well-equip him to serve as the eighteenth president of Marietta College.

Among Bruno's early goals of leading the institution are spreading awareness of the college and "making the case of a liberal arts education." Bruno noted that his entire adult life has been spent in the liberal arts and that he is enamored with the liberal arts model and breadth of knowledge that students learn outside the classroom.

Bruno also expressed his impression of the student body thus far. "The student government impressed me with the wide range of serious questions they posed. The conversation ranged across all aspects of campus. Students were invested in the search and interested in the process," Bruno said.

Senior Ryan Nolan, student body president, is impressed by Bruno's eagerness to learn as much about Marietta College as he can before he assumes his new role on July 1. "Dr. Bruno will be visiting campus two additional times this semester. He wants to visit during busy times so he can see students in action. He wants to visit the art exhibit in April. He genuinely cares."

Sophomore Conner Busby dined in Gilman with Bruno and echoed Nolan's thoughts. "He was intrigued by the music department, and the success of the basketball and crew teams, among other things," he said.

Mrs. Bruno also shared her thoughts on coming to Marietta. "I see a lot of energy on this campus and I am very excited to strengthen the connection between the college and community," Mrs. Bruno said. Her experience as a human resource professional and her hopes of volunteering in the community were other topics she highlighted.