Message from the Director—January 2025
Motivation, Hope, and Engagement at the Kearns Center
From: Dr. Miguel Baique, Director of the David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Diversity
Dear Kearns Center Community,
As we step into the spring semester and the start of 2025, I want to extend a warm welcome back to all of you. A new year brings with it the promise of fresh opportunities, personal growth, and collective progress. It is also a time for reflection—on where we’ve been and where we aspire to go.
Looking back on 2024, we experienced moments of triumph and resilience. We celebrated successes and navigated challenges together, noted by last month’s special message from Dr. Beth Olivares, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Equity. Now, as we embrace 2025, I am filled with optimism about what lies ahead. As in the past, this semester, we continue to make decisions and implement changes that prioritize you—your experience, your success, and your sense of belonging within the Kearns Center and University of Rochester community.
One theme I encourage you to carry with you this semester is motivation. Think about what drives you—whether it’s your personal goals, the support of family and friends, or the knowledge that your efforts are paving the way for future generations. Motivation can take many forms:
- Set small, achievable goals each week to create momentum and confidence.
- Celebrate your progress, no matter how minor it may seem—every step forward is meaningful.
- Find accountability partners—peers, mentors, or staff members who can encourage and guide you.
Alongside motivation, I urge you to hold on to hope. Hope is the foundation of persistence, innovation, and achievement. It allows us to envision a brighter future and work steadfastly toward it. Cultivate hope by:
- Visualizing your success and the impact you want to make in your community.
- Reflecting on past challenges you’ve overcome, reminding yourself of your resilience.
- Seeking inspiration through stories, talks, or connections with others who share your journey.
As your advocates, the Kearns Center team remains dedicated to supporting your journey. We are actively innovating and executing initiatives designed to empower you—academically, personally, and professionally. However, this work is not ours alone. You are a vital part of this community and its progress. I charge each of you to consider: How can I get more involved?
Here are a few ways to start:
- Attend workshops and events designed to enhance your skills and connections.
- Volunteer or participate in student panels to help shape our initiatives.
- Initiate ideas for events and programs that will impact you and your peers.
- Stop by the Center to meet staff and fellow students—sometimes, the best ideas come from casual conversations.
Let this semester be one of renewed engagement and intentional action. The Kearns Center is your space—a hub of connection, inspiration, and opportunity. We want to see you more present this semester, this year, and beyond. Together, we can create a thriving environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Here’s to an exceptional 2025 filled with growth, possibility, and community. Welcome back!