July 2020: Taking action and responsibility, top headlines, and more.
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During the past two months, I have spent an immense amount of time talking to colleagues, friends, and family, and reflecting on recent events. In the midst of two devastating public health crises: those of COVID-19 and of systemic racism, there is so much anger, pain, and despair being experienced by our Black community. As a Black woman in leadership, I have personally experienced both pandemics: losing loved ones to COVID-19 and learning that my nephew, a journalist, was beaten by police while he was doing his job covering the protests in NYC. I am grateful he is still alive to tell his story. At this time, we’re facing a defining moment where silence is not an option and words are not enough. Action and accountability are required for healing and to build meaningful and lasting change. We each have a responsibility to use our positions, influence, and platforms to speak up and make the world better. The voices of our alumni, students, parents, and friends are needed now more than ever. It is my hope that you will join us in the effort.
While there is still much work to do, our University is confronting these serious issues. President Mangelsdorf has outlined some initial steps to address equity and inclusion and Medical Center CEO and Dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry Mark Taubman, signed a declaration of racism as a public health crisis earlier this month. At the Medical Center, anti-racism action plans are underway: you can view Dr. Taubman’s messages online.
Earlier this month, members and friends of the Black Alumni Network gathered in honor of Juneteenth to reflect, listen, speak, offer support and remember the African-Americans whose lives were brutally taken because of systemic racism and police brutality. In addition, the Alumni Board and Diversity Advisory Council have committed to working in close collaboration with President Mangelsdorf, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, and others to amplify our work in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. To learn more about the work underway, I encourage you to read and subscribe to the Encompass e-newsletter.
Author and justice activist James Baldwin once wrote, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” Rest assured, we’re just getting started.
––Karen Chance Mercurius PhD, Associate Vice President for Alumni and Constituent Relations
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Many recent graduates are facing a great deal of uncertainty as they begin their careers in a recession. One way to overcome a rocky start? Cast a wide net and lean on the University community, including fellow alumni and The Greene Center for Career Education and Connections, during the search process.
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Happy 90th birthday, Ray Ettington ’51!
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When the pandemic put a stop to in-person plans, Ray’s family and friends had to change course quickly for his big day. See how the celebration shined thanks to hundreds of birthday cards, an online party, and even a virtual vacation.
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Rochester Restart e-newsletter launched
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Rochester Restart is a weekly e-newsletter that aims to provide context for how the University is approaching the complicated tasks that come with creating a safe and prepared campus this fall as the region, state, and country work to reopen. Subscribe here or visit the Rochester Restart website for updates and news.
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The Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement is working to bring the best of Rochester directly to you with a variety of virtual programs, like the Experience Rochester series, that showcase timely topics and ways to stay involved from wherever you are. Click the dates below to join one or more of these upcoming webinars:
- Wednesday, July 8: Shake (or stir) things up with this virtual cocktail class to celebrate George Eastman’s birthday.
- Learn how to be a model mentee and mentor in the modern world with workshops on Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15.
- Thursday, July 16: Discover the dreams and dedication of two Rochester icons that brought the Eastman School of Music and Eastman Theatre to life nearly 100 years ago, featuring professor of piano and Eastman historian Vincent Lenti ’60E, ’62E (MA).
- Friday, July 24: Enjoy an online yoga class, led by Corey Thibodeau ’14, ’15S (MS).
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Photo taken at ROC Pride Parade 2019 (pre-pandemic)
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June 27 marked #GlobalPride2020 along with this year’s 50th anniversary of Pride Network-University of Rochester (formerly the Gay Liberation Front). Together, we continue to reflect on LGBTQ history, celebrate its present, and look forward to its future. 🌈
Interested in building safe spaces for others? Check out this recording of our recent, interactive workshop on gender pronouns.
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Rochester Buzz is produced by the University of Rochester Office of Alumni Relations. View issues online at rochester.edu/alumni/buzz. Direct feedback and questions to rochesterbuzz@rochester.edu.
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