April 2, 2021

Dear UM Family,

When I compare today to early April last year, I am grateful to hear laughter on a campus that was so quiet last spring, to know that people are being vaccinated in the Adams Center against a disease about which we've learned so much, and to see the Oval bustling with students concluding an academic year made possible only because of the Herculean efforts of our faculty and staff.

The past 12 months have been difficult ones for every member of the UM family. So, as we look with hope toward the months ahead, let's pause to appreciate what we have accomplished and acknowledge our collective need to focus on our own wellness - much like the angler pictured above.

Today is the third of this spring's Employee Wellness Days. In recognition of the incredible place we call home, during a month that includes Earth Day, many of today's activities focus on our beautiful natural surroundings. Whether it be volunteering in the Montana Native Botanic Gardens or on the M Trail, enjoying a documentary in the UC Theater or enjoying one of the many other activities taking place, I hope each of you - even if only for a moment - soak in the beauty of western Montana and focus on your own wellness.

With less than a month until the close of a historic academic year, the weeks ahead will be busy ones. We look forward to celebrating our students, employees and new retirees during the Week of Excellence April 19-23 and to honoring the graduates of 2020 alongside those of spring 2021 at UM's Commencement ceremonies in Washington-Grizzly Stadium on May 1.

Thank you to all those who made the Employee Wellness Days possible, and thank you to all for your tremendous efforts this year.

Best wishes,

Seth