Dear Colleagues,
I’m
sure many of you would agree that the second half of this spring
semester has been one of the most challenging times of our careers. I
know that it has been for me.
Over
the last couple of months, however, my heart has been filled with pride
and warmth because of the reactions of the UMD campus community. Faculty experts continuing to provide important information to the public, a touching video from faculty to communication and journalism graduates, graphic design students raising money for local non-profits, our archives and special collection staff working to preserve this historic time, and UMD vocal music graduate Adam Giebner composing and performing this song dedicated to UMD with fellow music colleagues are just a few examples of how we have responded with care and compassion.
I
am so impressed by all the ways that our UMD community has pulled
together and supported students and each other through these last weeks
of the semester. I thank each of you for your contributions, and I also
want to give some well-deserved shout outs to some specific groups on
campus.
Thank
you to Dining Services for providing the students who remained on
campus with three delicious meals a day. Thanks to Facilities Management
and UMD Police who continue to monitor our buildings and campus. Thanks
to the Mail Department who, in addition to their regular duties, sent
out thousands of boxes of commencement greetings to graduating seniors
and also operated Champ’s Cupboard.
(By the way, Champ’s Cupboard will remain open this summer!) Thanks to
ITSS who supported faculty, staff, and students as classes shifted to
online. Thank you to all the advisors and resource groups who helped our
students navigate many changes.
I’m sorry that we couldn’t hold our annual award ceremony. Congratulations to the faculty and staff who received awards and to the individuals who reached milestone years of service.
This
Saturday, you are invited to our virtual commencement program at 11:00
a.m. While not the same as a day together in Amsoil Arena, we are proud
to be able to recognize our graduates and their accomplishments. Video
content will be available on the systemwide commencement website until June 30.
Some
of you have asked if there is a way to support UMD students
specifically rather than through systemwide funds. If you are
interested, you can make a gift to support UMD students who are
experiencing financial hardships. This new UMD Student Emergency Fund
supports students impacted by COVID-19, and helps them gain access to
housing, food, tuition, mental health services, and transportation.
I hope that you have a peaceful, restorative summer. Please stay healthy. Thank you for making UMD strong and resilient.
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
