This video, titled Opening of the University Address by President Leo M. Lambert, occurred on August 21, 2017 in Alumni Gym. Lambert welcomed the audience to a new academic (2017-2018) year. This was Lambert’s 19th and final opening address by talking about five issues that are critical to the university’s future. The five long plays outlined by Lambert included the following: safeguarding Elon’s culture, which keeps the focus on students and learning, values a strong teacher-scholar-mentor model, encourages innovation and creativity and values kindness and community; keeping a disciplined focus on maintaining Elon’s identity, which aims to set the global standard for engaged learning; building the university’s endowment to provide greater student financial aid, including more Odyssey scholarships for talented students with high financial need, fellows scholarships for highly qualified students, and Elon Engagement scholarships for students from middle income families; Staying connected with Elon’s young alumni who are making an impact in the world and are critical to the university’s future; and Boldly anticipating the disruptive changes ahead in higher education and remaining nimble and innovative. Lambert concluded his remarks with heartfelt thanks for the support he has felt during his tenure as Elon’s 8th president. Everyone in this room is a gift, to me, to this university, and especially to our students. 00:35:40 Lambert said, I am truly grateful for your counsel and guidance, and for the inspiration you have given me by your own extraordinary work. You called me to be better. Lambert will assume the role of president emeritus after his successor (9th Elon President, Connie Ledoux Book) takes office (March 1, 2018). He will take a yearlong writing sabbatical and will remain associated with Elon as a faculty member and to support the new president, primarily in the areas of alumni relations and development. 00:36:42 Lambert told a personal story of his in-laws being ill and moving into the Maynard Home. C.C. Cowan, Manager of Moving and Set-ups, and the (Elon’s) Moving & Set-up employees were so sensitive and caring for all the individuals in the home. “I will never forget the care they (Moving and Set-ups) took and the sensitivity, and the compassion they demonstrated. stated Lambert. CC and the guys taught me that lesson again. And so many of you in your own personal ways have made me feel inspired, challenged, more compassionate, and truly—truly grateful. Much love, friends.