Dear Colleagues,

Even for those of us who remain on campus throughout the summer, Commencement represents an important opportunity for a fresh start. I just finished reading How to Change by University of Pennsylvania behavioral scientist Katy Milkman. One interesting takeaway is that disruption or discontinuity in our routines brought on by events, holidays, moves, etc. gives us a chance to harness the “fresh start” effect to our advantage, to cultivate new habits and new mindsets. (The caveat, however, is that one shouldn’t disrupt a productive routine!) For many of us, though, the chance to hit the reset button throughout a seasonal cycle is one of the big appeals of academic life.

Two of our academic leaders are about to hit a big reset button. Dean Sudha Setty and Interim Dean Josie Brown are continuing their distinguished careers on other campuses. I can’t tell you how many times this year I’ve speed-dialed them for advice and information. They’ve brought merit to our institution and their departures represent a loss. And that loss is part of the great seasonal cycle of academe, as is the promise of renewal.

Other colleagues, retiring or retired in the past couple of years, are also part of the collective changes that culminate at this time of year. We’ll have a chance to raise a toast to the deans and our retiring faculty colleagues as noted below. Please join me in saying thanks to all our wonderful colleagues.

Cheers,

Maria Toyoda

Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost