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Dear GW Families,
Please take a look at the recent message below sent to students from Dean Cissy Petty.
Sincerely,
Leah Small
Sr. Program Associate
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Dear Students,
Can any of you believe that we are now officially one month into the fall semester? It seems last week it was the beginning of August, and we were making adjustments so that we could adapt to this most unusual of fall semesters.
I don’t know about you, but I found myself shifting gears in my interactions within the past week. I’m no longer saying, “welcome back.” Conversations are turning more toward, “is it really time to start preparing for midterms?” And the recent chill in the air reminds me I have to order a new fleece from the bookstore for Buff & Blue Fridays for when I’m on campus checking in on our small community of in-residence students.
For those of you who know me, I’m not a dwell-in-the-past type of person. I’m the kind who says let’s focus on the future; let’s find ways to connect; let’s create memories. For a person like me, this ongoing situation has been challenging. I’m sure it continues to be for many of you as well. Your routines are different, and I realize that can be a bit unsettling. As I’m sure you are, I’m looking forward to the day when we move past this pandemic toward a more interconnected future.
In the meantime, we are settled now in this new normal. Virtual classes, virtual learning, virtual meetings, virtual dinners…even virtual reunions. Speaking of which, Colonials Weekend is this weekend, Oct. 1 to Oct. 3. This year it will be different.
I’m looking forward to the weekend’s virtual 5K so that I can continue my streak of running daily since our first day of virtual learning last March. Do you have something new that you have started since the pandemic that makes you proud? If so, I’d love to hear about it. And don’t worry, I won’t be competing against any of you to bid for a piece of Thurston Hall, but I wish you good luck so that you can own an actual room plate from the historic building that I’m sure has created many lasting memories for students, and maybe a few parents who are reading this.
As we continue onward through the rest of the semester, I’ve been proud of how our students have pivoted and are making the best of this situation. On the days when I’m on campus, I see students socially distancing--and wearing masks--while studying outside at the tables on Potomac Square. Our student clubs and organizations continue to meet and interact through online means, including WRGW Radio, which will offer a marathon of music, comedy and performances this Friday, Oct. 2. The radio station is online, so no matter your location this fall semester, I encourage you to tune-in, listen and enjoy the connection with campus. If you are looking for something new to experience, aiming to stay healthy and fit or may even be struggling a bit to find your place, please know that we are here for you with both in-person and virtual events.
This has certainly been a fall to remember, and one that we’ll be talking about for a long time to come. Thank you for your continued commitment to Raise High as we care for ourselves and one another.
Sincerely,
M.L. “Cissy” Petty, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
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