By E. Edward Klotzbier

Twenty years ago I resided in the community that surrounds Northeastern. This past weekend, given my current position, I felt obligated to return to the neighborhood and get a first-hand look at how things are today, not as simply a passerby, but as someone who would witness what it is actually like to live among Northeastern’s students in the Fenway neighborhood.

I spent several days living on Symphony Road. Of course, it’s no coincidence I picked the dates to correspond with Super Bowl Sunday.

How was my experience? Yes, there was noise — some of it very loud. But, by and large, I witnessed what I have heard from so many of our neighbors: “They’re good kids if they only would remember they live beside families and show some respect to their neighbors.” And those people are right.

They are people who are living and working in the city, raising families, getting kids ready for school in the morning, and our students should be respectful of these neighbors, just as you would in your hometowns.

I want to thank all those students who have actively participated in building our community. While there is still much work to be done with our “town-gown” relationships, I think we are making steady progress. This is a great time to be a student in Boston. Please remember how fortunate you are to be studying in a city that boasts World Champions.

During the Red Sox World Series celebrations and this past Sunday’s Patriots Super Bowl win, Northeastern students have set an example for all students as mature, responsible young adults. All in all, students heeded the warnings by the mayor, the police and Northeastern administrators. I want to publicly commend all of our students for proving to all those watching, what terrific young people you really are.

– E. Edward Klotzbier is the vice president for student affairs.