Dear faculty and staff,
As we close out the 2021-22 academic year, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary vibrancy of campus life. Faculty, staff, and students alike overcame the constraints of the pandemic and took on this academic year with gusto as evidenced by the energy and significant achievements. You should take great pride in delivering another successful year in the history of our university!
A simple “thank you” is not sufficient for your incredible efforts that form the backbone of our university’s success. Our standard is nothing less than sustained excellence. We can only meet and exceed that standard because of the talent, dedication, and hard work of our people, coupled with the caring and personal approach ingrained in our university DNA. It is how we fulfill our mission and serve our students. I’m deeply grateful for how you inspire our students to pursue their passions, and for your commitment to paving the paths to their bright futures.
Commencement marks the grandest time of our academic year. Commencement, and all that it symbolizes, is the celebration of why we are here – our students. And what remarkable students we have! I’ve been inspired by reading many of their stories in our annual Journey to Commencement series. A common theme permeating the observations of our graduates is their recognition and gratitude for how faculty and staff support and encourage them to build their legacies. You play a leading role in each of these stories. I hope you’ll take a few moments to read them and soak in the inspiration that they radiate. Our students’ successes are fueled by your investments in them — don’t ever forget that their stories would not be possible without you!
As we wrap up this academic year, I hope you will take a moment to revel in all your successes. And, I encourage you to take time to recharge over the summer. Looking ahead, I know you join me in anticipation of all the ways that we will deliver another great academic year in fall 2022.
Happy Commencement, and Hotty Toddy!
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor