Community, collaboration and connection embody TCU’s identity and are key themes that run through the university’s accomplishments and goals, Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. said at the 2015 University Convocation, which marked the symbolic opening of the 143^rd school year.

“[Theses themes] define our relationships with our students, with one another and with the larger world,” Boschini told a crowd of about 500 during his annual state of the university address. “Consequently, they provide a most appropriate theme for the coming year and a lens through which to observe and evaluate what we do here.”

With a record 2,072 incoming freshmen, TCU has plenty of new opportunities to share that culture with Horned Frogs experiencing it for the first time.

“As we welcome the Class of 2019 into the Horned Frog family, I want to celebrate one thing that has not changed: Our enduring relationships with one another and this great university,” said Boschini.

The Class of 2019 is larger than anticipated, even with 300 fewer offers of admission than last year, and 800 fewer than two years ago. The group was selected from about 18,500 applicants, making TCU’s admission rate in the “highly selective” category.

The freshman class surge was a product of more students accepting offers, creating a yield higher than any time in the last three decades.

“Applications are predicted to increase again for next year, but we are focused on our longtime goal of admitting a freshman class of about 1,850,” the chancellor said. “Without a doubt, the sense of community that defines TCU is very attractive to prospective students and their families. There is great value in what we offer.”

While freshmen learn the university’s mission, vision and values at Frog Camp, Boschini said the community-building cannot stop there. Faculty, staff and students must reach beyond comfortable relationships and treat everyone with respect and civility, especially when there is disagreement. “We must continue to reach beyond ourselves and reinforce the connectivity that makes the TCU community so unique.”

The chancellor touted the university’s recognition over the summer by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For.” It was the fifth consecutive time TCU has held that honor, this time as the only university in the nation recognized in all 12 of the award’s categories.

Dr. Cecilia Silva of the College of Education received the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar. (Photo by Glen E. Ellman)

TCU also must reach beyond its campus for alliances with other institutions to increase its national stature. As an example, Boschini pointed to the partnership with University of North Texas Health Science Center to create a new MD-granting school by 2018. “Blending a medical education and TCU’s liberal arts focus will help shape tomorrow’s physicians as ethical leaders.”

Boschini also highlighted two additional relationships helping Fort Worth:

• TCU will establish a Workforce Enhancement Healthy Aging and Independent Living program with the health science center, JPS Health Network and the Tarrant County chapter of the United Way’s Agency on Aging.
• TCU and Tarrant County College have agreed to provide a clearer pathway for the transfer of TCC graduates to campus. Twenty-five percent of transfer students hail from the community college.

“Our mission encourages students to forge connections that will have a positive influence far and wide,” Boschini said. “TCU educates students to think broadly and be global leaders. Students, faculty and staff live this every day.”

Among the notable honors Boschini recognized:

• The College of Education won the 2015 Institute of International Education’s Heiskell Award for most innovative and successful model in internationalization.
• TCU’s Institute of Child Development turns 10 this year, and its therapeutic model is being adopted to revamp the Texas child foster care system.
• The Economist ranked the Neeley School of Business Executive MBA program faculty No. 2 in the nation and No. 12 in the world.
• Molly Weinburgh, professor of science education, was named a Piper Foundation Professor.
• Cecilia Silva, professor of education, received the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar.
• Brad Thompson ’03, associate director of student activities and marketing, received the Wassenich Award for Mentoring in the TCU Community.

Brad Thompson ’03, associate director of student activities and marketing, accepted the Wassenich Award for Mentoring in the TCU Community. (Photo by Glen E. Ellman)