March 16, 2021

Dear Campus Community,

The focus for today’s Employee Wellness Day is gratitude.

(Watch "Gratitude and Wellness at the University of Montana" video.)

For me, this theme is especially meaningful; while this last year has been marked by challenges, I remain thankful for each of you for your collective efforts to make in-person learning and living possible for UM students.

I also am more thankful than ever for the strength and commitment of the UM family. Since the beginning of COVID-19, I’ve heard accounts of the extraordinary efforts of UM employees, but also stories of the support and kindness UM faculty and staff members have shown to one another and to our students. These displays of compassion and warmth have been particularly impactful during a year when each of us has suffered loss – whether of loved ones, of routine schedules, of time with family and friends, or more.

There is still space in many of today's activities; I hope you are able to participate and express your gratitude to colleagues who have made your past year easier to navigate, while also taking time to relax and appreciate all we have accomplished as a community.

To recognize the many UM employees who go above and beyond in meaningful – and yet often small and difficult-to-quantify – ways, I am proud to announce that Priority for Action 3 (Embody the Principle of "Mission First, People Always") will launch a revitalized UM Kudos program in the coming weeks. Each month, four employees, including faculty, staff and students across all sectors and units on campus, will be selected from a pool of nominees to receive this recognition. More information about this program will be forthcoming.

Please remember to register for the many exciting offerings on our third, and final, Employee Wellness Day on April 2.

Thank you again for all you do for UM.

Seth