CAS February Presidents Message

For those of us who live in places where there is a traditional winter, some of you may have found this winter a bit overwhelming so far.  Where I live, we have not had much snow, but in its place, we have had the chance to enjoy lots of fog, some ice storms, and some really cold temperatures.  All without much sunshine. ​

Colleagues,
For those of us who live in places where there is a traditional winter, some of you may have found this winter a bit overwhelming so far.  Where I live, we have not had much snow, but in its place, we have had the chance to enjoy lots of fog, some ice storms, and some really cold temperatures.  All without much sunshine.  
One notices the effect this has on us as humans.  You can see winter’s strain on our faces, and in our moods.  Even if it is cold, but there is sunshine, I will go outside to feel the glorious sun on my face.  My husband and I sat outside for twenty minutes on a 39-degree weather to bask in sunshine.
In many ways, February is my least favorite month.  We have made it through the holiday season, the new year, and now we wait for spring.  And where I live, we wait a while!
This all ties to our work, as we turn to spring, we still have a lot to accomplish.  We have students transitioning out of college and trying to figure out what is next.  Will it be graduate school or some type of work?  We are starting to welcome new students as they determine that our institution is where they want to go to college.  We select new students leaders, student employees, and start with transition plans all while we finish up the spring semester.
Just thinking about this makes me tired but determined to finish up strong.  As the great Winston Churchill said. “Success is not final; failure is not fatal:  It is the courage to continue that counts.”
So, as we carry on, let us remember that our work is important, students and our staff need us, and there are warm sunny days ahead!  Just imagine commencement and all the joy, love and pride that is shared by students and their families!  It’s closer than we think.

As I finish this piece, I continue to wish for peace on earth.  With so much suffering in the world, we need more grace and kindness.
Sincerely,
Gayle

Gayle Spencer, Ph.D.
CAS President