Happy Valentine’s Day, Gusties!
Over the course of the last two years, I have found myself thinking about what the “new normal” will be in the post-pandemic world for our lives, and specifically for higher education. What innovations and new practices will continue, and which will fade away? Virtual and hybrid meetings have become the norm. People are traveling less, cooking more, enjoying more outdoor activities, working from home, and shopping online. Will these changes be temporary or permanent?
The members of the Cabinet, as well as the Board of Trustees, have been engaged in discussions about the future of higher education–the impact of the pandemic, changes in demographics across the United States, amplified concerns about racial justice and economic equity, environmental sustainability, rapidly advancing technology, challenges associated with political polarization, and many more societal and world issues. How do we best respond to these forces of change as a liberal arts institution? And, importantly, how do we continue to advance our vision to equip students to lead purposeful lives and act on the great challenges of our time?
I have asked the members of the Cabinet to each write a Monday Moments message over the course of the spring semester. We are blessed to have a talented and committed leadership team at Gustavus, and I look forward to hearing from each of them. What is happening now that excites them? What strategic initiatives are they working on now that will positively impact the College in the future? How do they see the future unfolding in their respective areas and for the College as a whole?
Please join me in welcoming guest authors for Monday Moments–this will be fun! In the meantime, enjoy another productive week on campus. I am heading to Arizona today along with staff from the advancement team, to meet with alumni and special friends of the College. We will host our first alumni gathering outside of Minnesota for the first time in two years!
Yours in community,
President Bergman