Dear Students, Colleagues, and Friends,

Spring brings congratulations to the Class of 2021! There is no other class in higher education history that has endured what you, our new alumni, have experienced: the worst pandemic in 100 years; a global racial reckoning; political divide. You have seen people you know contract an unpredictable disease, or perhaps even experienced it yourselves; many have lost friends and family. You endured the pain of not being able to see loved ones, and the fear of uncertainty. Yet, despite it all, you succeeded - an accomplishment worthy of joy and pride. On May 21, on Virtue Field, live and on large screens, we saluted the formidable Class of 2021. This time of hope and celebration brings to mind a line from my father’s favorite poem, Invictus, which he often recited: “I thank whatever gods may be / For my unconquerable soul.”

As Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, I am tremendously impressed by the commitment and scholarship of the students, faculty, and staff. The students in CNHS are caring, bright and accomplished, wanting to provide health and wellness to patients and their families. There are many who have earned impressive honors, including an inductee into Phi Beta Kappa. The Departments of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, and Rehabilitation and Movement Science are composed of faculty and staff who uphold a mission to educate, to discover, and to heal. They are wonderful role models for our students.

I have been at UVM for only four months. What a strange time for a new dean, not being able to meet and speak to the students in the College, and only interacting with faculty, staff, administration and my new colleagues virtually. Despite the challenge of interacting remotely, I’ve found the people of UVM to be so very welcoming.

I’d like to acknowledge the entire CNHS community for your continued resilience and ability to thrive amid challenging circumstances. You are the reason I came to UVM, and I’m enjoying being a newly minted Catamount. Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to meet you.

Please enjoy the Spring 2021 newsletter compilation of the successes of our students, faculty, and staff this term. I look forward to 2021-2022!