Eastern President Lou Hencken expects to get a little sentimental today as he gives his last Faculty Luncheon speech as Eastern’s president.

“Forty-one years is a long time,” Hencken said about his time at Eastern.

He first spoke at the luncheon in 2001 as interim president, along with Blair Lord who had just filled the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Talking about the faculty luncheon in 2001, Hencken said, “I think we’ve got some challenges ahead, and we have to meet those challenges and move the university forward.”

Five years later, he’s still thinking up ways to improve the university. Hencken plans to announce three goals for the university at today’s speech.

“One will surprise you,” he said. “But don’t sit on the edge of your chair.”

The title of his speech is “Great Beginnings,” an ironic title since this is his last year as president, he said. But he has other plans for the symbolic title to be announced at the luncheon.

“I’m going to emphasize the great beginnings the university has had,” he said.

Faculty Senate and the offices of the president and provost sponsor the luncheon to welcome the faculty back for another year, said Faculty Senate chair Assege HaileMariam.

“Usually this forum is used to share the president’s and the provost’s objectives for the new academic year,” she said. “It is important that the president and provost lay out their vision to the faculty. The university is in the business of educating students, and the faculty are the educators. Open communication with the faculty, soliciting input from the faculty and engaging in true shared governance with the faculty creates a positive learning environment.”

Hencken expects 250 to 300 people to attend the luncheon.