As he steps into the role of president of Franklin & Marshall College, Andrew “Andy” Rich is spending time with members of the F&M community and learning what they value about being Diplomats. Rich was named Franklin and Marshall’s 17th president earlier this year, and his first official day in that role was July 12.

“I am excited to be a part of the F&M community. My first priority is to listen, get to know everyone, and find out what they think is important for F&M’s future,” Rich said. “It has been such a pleasure to hear people’s stories about what makes F&M such a special place.”

“I’ve been so impressed by the students I have met and the quality of education they receive at F&M, ” Rich said. “I am also impressed by our alumni, who are leaders and changemakers in every sector of society. The Diplomat alumni I have met are deeply committed to the continuing success of their alma mater.”

Rich’s arrival on campus coincides with that of Sunita Gupta Kramer, a 1992 F&M graduate who recently returned to the College as provost and dean of the faculty. The two are eager to work in collaboration with faculty, Rich said, “to further strengthen the academic experience and expand learning opportunities for students.”  

In addition to getting to know F&M, Rich has also been exploring the City of Lancaster.

“Lancaster is a phenomenal city. It strikes me that it’s thriving in so many ways. The downtown is lively and vibrant,” Rich said. “I’ve been inspired by the commitment that F&M has to Lancaster and that Lancaster has to the College, and am looking forward to working with the city’s leaders and building upon the work that President Altmann has done to deepen relationships in our hometown.”

Last week, Rich heard directly from current students over lunch at the Samuel N. and Dena M. Lombardo Welcome Center. Student tour guides shared the stories of why they chose to attend F&M, as well as things they felt were especially important for Rich to know about the College and the value of a liberal arts education. 

A recurring theme was the many ways F&M students take advantage of opportunities to pursue passions outside of their majors. Students expressed their excitement about the upcoming semester’s athletic events, musical performances, campus traditions, and more. 

The opportunity to experience these moments of community and connection is one of the things Rich says he’s most looking forward to during his first year as president. 

“I’m excited for True Blue Weekend, when alumni, students, and parents come together to strengthen our community and bond,” Rich said. “I’m also looking forward to attending athletic, artistic and cultural events and doing everything I can to support our students and help them.”

Rich previously served as dean of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York. He succeeds Barbara K. Altmann, who retired from the presidency on July 11 after seven years of leadership at F&M.