Dear alumni/ae and friends,
Some liturgical calendars in the Christian tradition recognize “ordinary time,” the periods between Christmas and Lent, and between Easter and Advent. Ordinary time is focused on the quotidian realities of life outside of the holy seasons: how we live, breathe, and have our being in God as we regularly work, care for our families, live in our communities, and practice our vocations.
The academic calendar feels very similar to the liturgical calendar: the beginning and the end of the academic year is a flurry of activity as new students arrive and continuing students depart. We open with convocation and end with commencement, two beautiful and holy moments. And yet, for the faculty and staff, most of our time is spent doing the “ordinary” tasks of higher education: teaching, grading, mentoring, researching, writing, and caring for the student body.
The ordinary time of the liturgical calendar reminds us that each day, every moment, is a gift and an opportunity. Likewise, the ordinary days of the semester, the work that is done on a regular basis without special recognition or acknowledgement, is also a blessing. May we be filled with gratitude for all of the seasons of the year.
Best,
Yolanda Pierce
Dean
Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair
Professor of Religion & Literature
