Dear students, faculty members, and friends,

I gave a lot of thought to what I might say to you this month. Something I kept coming back to reminded me of an episode of the sitcom Seinfeld that features a white cashmere sweater. Everyone who sees the sweater is immediately enchanted by how beautiful and soft it is, but then they notice a tiny red dot and the spell is broken.

The pandemic has become our tiny red dot. (In some ways, it’s not so tiny.)

We have come so far since March 2020, and there are so many reasons to be positive about the direction we’re heading. But COVID is still a constant presence. It may not loom as large now, but it’s still there. And we notice.

For almost two years now, many of the messages you have received from me and other University leaders have acknowledged our red dot in one way or another. (Like I just did.) So, I want to spend the remainder of this message sharing 10 things—in no significant order and in brief—for which I am grateful.

Returning to campus. This semester has been the most normal residential and educational experience we’ve had in what feels like ages.

More in-person everything. I don’t think I need to elaborate on this one.

Fall in Rochester. This also speaks for itself.

Lessons learned. It’s been bad, but it hasn’t been all bad. There have been some great takeaways that will make us stronger going forward.   

Sloan Performing Arts Center. Have you been yet? It’s beautiful. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out or more excited for how it will (and is already) impacting campus.

Activism. Over the last several years, we’ve seen too much evidence that we have a lot of growing to do as a society. My spirits are buoyed by the number of people who are willing to push hard for change and corrective action.

Increase attention on DEI. I love that we’re having more conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion more often. Shout out to the Frederick Douglass Institute (Welcome, Jeffrey McCune) and Susan B. Anthony Institute.

Increased focus on mental health. Tremendously important. I’m especially happy about the broader use of emotional support animals. There’s a silly joke I like to reference that goes something like, “On the list of people I most want to meet: 1. Dogs.”

My job. Serving as a dean at this University is a genuine honor, and one that’s been enriched almost daily.

You. My job wouldn’t be as satisfying or meaningful without the colleagues and students who surround me.

Was this a little trite, a little cliché? Absolutely, and I encourage you to go through the same exercise. I think we could all use a little cliché after how long we’ve spent in the surreal.

Since this is my last In Focus message for 2021, I also want to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

Gloria Culver
Dean
School of Arts & Sciences