As we step into a new semester together, I wanted to take a moment to share a few highlights from a very full and energizing January. Thanks to a major snowstorm showing off its winter power, the semester kicked off two days late, but the delay didn’t slow us down one bit as we launched into what’s already shaping up to be a great semester!
These past few weeks have offered so many opportunities to connect with our students, faculty, staff, and partners, and each interaction has reminded me of the strength and spirit of our community.
I began the month with a conversation on Talk of the Commonwealth, reflecting on our momentum and the work ahead. The following day, I joined our Board of Trustees leadership for our monthly meeting, and on January 7 met with the First Wednesday Group to continue important discussions about collaboration and community impact.
The start of the semester always brings renewed excitement, and this year was no exception. On January 8, I had the pleasure of welcoming both our new full-time and adjunct faculty during their orientations and later that day connected with colleagues at the LEI Advisory Meeting. Throughout the month, I also had the joy of greeting our newest students, stopping by New Student Registration Day and offering welcome remarks at orientations on January 13, January 15, and again on January 20. Being able to meet the students as they start their academic journey is truly a highlight for me.
This month also included meaningful engagements beyond campus. My participation in the Advancing Education Policy Solutions through a Research Partnership event at Harvard University sparked powerful thinking about how we can continue strengthening our impact. We honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at both the WSU MLK Youth Breakfast on January 17 and the citywide MLK Breakfast on January 19. These gatherings reminded me of the importance of our collective work to advance equity, while also reminding that there is much more work to be done.
Mid-month, I toured the Dental Clinic with one of our donor partners, The Health Foundation President and CEO Amie Shei, and Grants and Operations Manager Daniel P. Germain, to see the newly installed dental chairs and the impressive work to renovate the clinic. This is an inspiring reminder of how strong partnerships truly enhance our community’s health and wellbeing. I also was able to attend Meryl’s Safe Haven Annual Rent Party, a great organization that provides shelter for families.
Later in the month, All College Day brought us together to reflect and plan as a united campus, share coffee and conversation with Dual Enrollment and College & Career Pathways, and welcome our very first cohort of Student Nurse Apprentices - a milestone moment for our region’s healthcare workforce.
January closed with several important leadership meetings, including the WRCC Board Meeting, the Board of Trustees Executive Committee meeting, and the Saint Vincent Hospital Board of Trustees Meeting.
Each of these moments, big and small, reinforced why our mission matters and how deeply committed this community is to student success. Thank you for all you do. I’m grateful for your partnership and excited for all we will accomplish together in the weeks ahead.
Luis