We often think of autumn as a season when things start to wind down – a time when trees across Vermont put on a final dazzling foliage display, farmers harvest their last crops, and we all prepare for shorter days and longer nights. But a paradox, and a source of joy, is the way a university campus challenges this dynamic. For us, the fall semester is a season of new beginnings. I thought of this as I had the pleasure of lending a hand on move-in day in late August, when nearly 3,000 new first-year students began their ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë experience. It was an occasion for many different emotions – opening a new chapter in life brings, understandably, a blend of excitement and nerves – but by the following Sunday evening, after several days of orientation activities, as I stood on the Andrew Harris Commons for our Convocation, I saw those same first-year students come pouring in from all sides of campus: smiling, enthusiastic, and ready to march to the University Green, light their individual candles and, as one ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë, pledge their commitment to Our Common Ground values.
And there were more new beginnings this August. Early in the month, the Board of Regents of the University of Arizona announced that Suresh Garimella would become the 23rd president of that institution, effective October 1. I have been so proud to serve with President Garimella during his five years leading ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë. I am grateful for his leadership through the unprecedented complications of the pandemic, and his constant focus on student success, affordability, and the growth of our research enterprise. I begin my tenure as Interim President knowing that our university is stronger and more focused than ever on its mission.
That focus is now informed by our Planetary Health Initiative. Formally launched this October, this initiative is part of a growing movement that considers human health and wellbeing as inextricably linked to the health of our natural environment. In this issue of our magazine you will find many examples of our faculty and students exploring work related to planetary health, from the impact of increased flooding on lives, property, and food systems, to the influence of social systems of incarceration on societal health. Our university is truly dedicated to people and planet, and that comes through in all the dimensions of our teaching and research. (To see a video and learn more about our new initiative, I encourage you to follow the QR code.)
As this year began, our university was also part of the continuing conversation on campuses across America on the situation in the Middle East. I was proud that this discussion at ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë last spring was handled with thoughtfulness and reason and was intent on keeping that discussion on the same plane throughout this year. This was the genesis of the Our Common Ground symposium on Israel and Palestine that you find reported in this issue – an open, respectful, and informative examination that typifies the approach we’ve taken on our campus. It’s an approach that will continue with our focus this year, through our Presidential Lecture Series, on the meaning and practice of free speech. As an institution fueled by the spirit of inquiry, we know that free expression is vital, and there has never been a more important time to examine and understand its role on our campus and throughout our society.
Autumn is a good reminder that change is part of our lives, something we learn to embrace as it creates new opportunities while, at the same time, we appreciate what we have in the present. It is a privilege to serve our beloved institution.
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