June 29, 2020

Embracing positive change.

While spring forced us to change our habits, June has brought about deep reflection and for me, appreciation that important change is underway. Amid the many challenges and significant pain brought on during the first six months of 2020, I'm filled with optimism for so many in our community.

As our campus not only serves Maryland, but represents it, our community has not only felt the effects of COVID-19, the ongoing systemic racism in our nation and the targeting of immigrant community and the LGBTQ+ community—we've fought back against it.

I was heartened by our student-led march in early June, organized by leaders from TU's Greek Life organizations and Student Government Association. I was joined at the march by Provost Melanie Perreault and Vice President of Student Affairs Vernon Hurte, as well as faculty and staff, in sharing the message to our surrounding community that Black Lives Matter. A week later, we paused to reflect on Juneteenth — observing an administrative day now, with plans for a university holiday on the date beginning next year.

June enabled us to question things, to pause and reflect, to demonstrate our beliefs and to celebrate small victories.

I choose to embrace positive change. Spring was the jolt in our daily lives that precipitates the positive change to take place this summer and fall.

But progress is an ongoing effort. At TU, we continue to work hard to prepare our campus for our students, faculty and staff to return. And we continue to monitor and adhere to guidance from local, state and federal authorities as we go.

We've made many adjustments for our students and incoming students—extending deadlines to enroll, to elect for on-campus housing and more.

This time last month, we took our commencement celebrations—traditionally a large, celebratory gathering of our community—virtual because we were unable to safely gather. And I'm thrilled to share that since then we've made plans to see through to it on our promise to celebrate our graduates in person — with a weekend of commencement on the field at Unitas Stadium in early October.

While there is much we don't know about what lies ahead, what I can assure our community is that TU will remain #TUtogether through it all. I cannot wait to safely welcome everyone back to beautiful campus.

There is much to be proud of at Towson University and there are indeed, great things ahead!

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