Dear Friends,

The Woodbury of today is one that is experiencing unprecedented success which  is evident through campus expansion, growing enrollments, new accreditations, academic program development, and national awards. With that success behind  us, we launch a celebration of our contributions both from yesterday and today. The theme for our 125th anniversary is Woodbury University: A Southern California Tradition Since 1884.

Woodbury will be celebrating our achievements, our long and storied history, and our ties to Burbank, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The commemoration of our 125th anniversary is more than just an opportunity to blow out candles on a cake—it is a time to reflect on the lives that have been changed for the better by this institution and renew our commitment to creating a better world for the future.

Woodbury, like Los Angeles itself, started modestly enough, but possessed plenty of ambition. In 1884, the city boasted a population of 7,000. Business leaders recognized that future growth was dependent upon education, and entrepreneur F.C. Woodbury established this institution to meet  community needs. Moving beyond those highly pragmatic beginnings, Woodbury  has made a difference for generations by shaping the economic, social, and cultural landscape of Southern California and beyond.

During the coming 12 months, we will celebrate who we are today, explore our history, and embrace our legacy in Southern California. Students will discover the long and significant impact of their school. Our alumni will return to their alma mater, and our  constituents that we serve will join us in identifying new ways to meet the needs of our community.

Each one of you plays a role in upholding the Woodbury tradition. Please look for information in coming weeks about 125th anniversary programs, events, projects, celebrations, and more. I applaud your dedication to our family and look forward to celebrating this anniversary with you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kenneth R. Nielsen