Dear students, staff and faculty,
Welcome to the start of a new semester! It is the spring term and, as I write this letter, I am reminded of the rejuvenation that comes with this particular season. Although it will be two more months before the calendar marks this transition, I am feeling a change emerging now.
We have weathered a tumultuous year. A global pandemic has taken millions of lives, touching many of us in a very personal way, and it is still not over. Civil unrest and ugly political discourse dominated the news cycles. We witnessed democracy being challenged by insurgents intent on installing their leader.
Yet, we are in a new year, and there is new hope. Effective vaccines are here and, in time, they will be available to all. Good people came forward and demanded an end to structural racism, and they will persist to success. A record number of people voted and made clear we want leadership that not only protects and serves all people, but also gives a helping hand to those in need.
I feel a renewed sense of hope.
As members of the Mandel School community, we share a common dedication to doing all we can to help people and build stronger communities. We can be proud of the way we have supported one another during the year. And as our work continues, I want to thank you for your dedication because, together, we can help build a more just world.
Sincerely,
Grover C. Gilmore, PhD
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel
Dean in Applied Social Sciences