To the Case Western Reserve University Community:
The time has come for me to leave my post and, like most goodbyes, it is bittersweet. Last summer, I wasn’t sure what to expect from my interim presidency, and now I can honestly say that serving as interim president was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. Having been part of the Case Western Reserve community these past nine months has been deeply meaningful, stimulating and, quite frankly, therapeutic.
Thank you for letting me be part of your lives and this chapter in the great history of Case Western Reserve. It has been an honor to serve the university during these unprecedented times, and it was an absolute joy to work with so many of you. From day one, I felt at home—almost as if I had never left CWRU. I have been touched and motivated by everyone’s warmth, hard work, dedication to the university, and commitment to each other.
The sense of community I felt on this campus was not only essential to our persevering through the pandemic, it also gave me the strength and inspiration to cope with hardship and be open to new beginnings in my personal life. I am filled with much gratitude and many fond memories as I write this final message as interim president to all of you.
I have no doubt that the university will be in excellent hands with incoming President Eric Kaler. His extensive experience as a university president and senior administrator, his scholarly expertise and distinction, and his personable and grounded personality position him well for leading this extraordinary institution into a better tomorrow. As we emerge from the pandemic and welcome President Kaler, the future of Case Western Reserve looks bright in every way.
As to what is next for me, I am looking forward to being a regular member of the CWRU Board of Trustees again, spending more time in the classroom, and writing about topics that are close to my heart. The prospect of a slower pace of life sounds appealing—I am about to turn 75 after all—but we shall see how long that lasts. Taking things easy has never been my forte.
Keep thinking, take care, and until we meet again,
