President Joan Leitzel officially laid the foundation for the University of New Hampshire's future in October, tapping its strengths in teaching, research and public services as anchors of stability, and identifying areas prime for growth.

Leitzel, UNH's 18th president, began her duties July 15.

During her inauguration address Oct. 31, in front of some 900 guests in Lundholm Gymnasium, she credited the campus community for making this Durham institution so attractive to a Midwesterner from the University of Nebraska.

The president spoke of high expectations for the university community, and her challenges were received with warm applause and a standing ovation.