December 13, 2021

Dear Campus,

As we arrive at the end of the academic term, we have much to be thankful for.

First, it cannot be understated that we continue to navigate a crisis of incredible magnitude together. Through it all, I am immensely proud of our entire campus community for the ways we have remained committed to one another, our mission and our values. UM students received in-person instruction and many of our employees returned to work to find a better balance with our lives and obligations.

We carried on and welcomed a new era of growth at UM. Enrollment is growing, research is at record levels, and our campus will continue the largest infrastructure improvement in generations into the New Year. In a few days, we will congratulate another 1,000 UM students who persisted to the graduation podium during two years of turbulence and uncertainty. These graduates will join the nearly 5,000 UM students who have earned their diploma during the pandemic, a figure that illustrates our commitment to putting student success at the center of all we do.

Because of our hard work in every corner of campus, we were able to adapt and meet our community’s needs while pivoting to better serve students and one another. We launched new academic programs, faculty won awards, students recaptured the on-campus vibrancy we missed so much, and our pharmacy team stepped up to vaccinate our community. We also scored an exciting victory in the Brawl of the Wild, bringing the Great Divide Trophy home once again, and our women’s soccer team brought home yet another Big Sky Conference championship.

Of course, there were challenges this semester. And there will no doubt be more ahead. But what is remarkable about UM is that no matter the obstacle, we find a path forward by working together.

As you gather with loved ones and friends this holiday season, I encourage you to think about what you’re personally grateful for and how you can harness that spirit into your focus at UM for the New Year. (I’m going to be reflecting on 12 Days of Gratitude on my Twitter account if you’d like to follow.)

This year, I heard the phrase that UM “is poised for a renaissance.” I believe in that, and all that is possible in the New Year because of each of you. Thank you for your commitment, your work and your passion for this institution.

Please enjoy some rest and rejuvenation and return with me in January to build on this successful semester in 2022. We have much to look forward to. 

Seth