DOWAGIAC — On Thursday evening, community members, parents, students and faculty gathered in the foyer area outside of the newly renovated Dowagiac Union High School gym to meet and greet the new superintendent, Jonathan Whan, and his family.

Whan, who has been superintendent of Dowagiac Union Schools since July has spent the past months getting acclimated, finding housing and performing the duties of his position.

Whan along with the Dowagiac Union School Board of Education agreed a meet and greet would be a good way for more of the community to meet Whan.

“We just need to get Whan known to the community,” said board president Larry Schmidt. “I thought it would make sense to have it here because a lot of people haven’t been in this facility yet.”

Whan stood in front of small groups of parents and school board members, joined by his wife, Diana, and his daughter, Nicole, who will be a senior at Dowagiac Union High School this coming school year. The couple also have a son, Cameron, who was not in attendance.

Whan, who moved from Grant Community Schools, has been getting to know the Dowagiac community with his family, he said.

“I was talking to one of the community members tonight,” Whan said. “She herself has lived in other communities and said, ‘It just feels like Dowagiac seems to have more of that community spirit of involvement within the community and school district.’”

Whan said the community has already been welcoming, accommodating and supportive.

“We are loving the energy in this community, not just the energy within the school, but the energy within the community, in the school and together,” he said.

On the agenda for Whan and the board is completing the bond improvements, Schmidt said.

“The elementary schools are coming close to being complete,” he said. “Pretty much Union is good to go.”

With fall sports tryouts and practices starting this week, Schmidt said the Chris Taylor Alumni Field is a priority.

“We are working fast and furiously,” Schmidt said. “We need to get the field done as quickly as possible. It’s going to be extremely nice. I am really excited for it.”

Schmidt also applauded Whan for his frequent communication with board members.

“He is a breath of fresh air,” Schmidt said. “He has been really good with people. He is out. He is about. He is on top of things.”

Whan said he has been meeting with staff throughout the summer, but has scheduled the first administrators meeting for next Wednesday. Professional staff will also be back, starting the week of Aug. 26, he said. Professional development will be scheduled for that week, Whan noted.

“It’s been an uplifting night for me,” Whan said as he spent time chatting with his family. “It’s been incredible. Terrific turnout.”