Today Southwestern begins its celebration of Black History Month. In doing so, we honor the contributions of our Black alumni, students, faculty, and staff to our University and our broader community. We also recognize the need to learn from the past to inform our future. Southwestern recently joined the Universities Studying Slavery (USS) consortium, including the University of Virginia, Yale, and Harvard, as institutions committed to research, acknowledgment, and atonement regarding ties to the slave trade, to enslavement on campus or abroad, and to enduring racism in school history and practice. We have already begun important research on our own complicated history, and through our involvement with USS, we hope to share our findings and identify ways we can address complex issues related to race and equity.

Please tune into our social media channels throughout the month as we celebrate Black alumni, students, faculty, staff, and student organizations.

Charter Day and Family Weekend

Southwestern marks the 182nd anniversary of its founding this weekend with our 2022 Charter Day and Spring Family Day festivities. Students’ families and alumni are invited to join us for a fun weekend that honors our history and inspires us to imagine our future. See the full schedule of events.

More Masks

We have lots of KN95 masks! They are available for pickup across campus at the following locations:

• Cullen Building: President’s Office, Business Office, Dean’s Office
• Fondren–Jones Science Center: The Atrium (lobby)
• Smith Library Center
• McCombs Campus Center: The Commons and Student Life Offices
• Prothro Center: Center for Career & Professional Development and Health Center
• Robertson Center

The Dean of the Faculty’s Office, located in Cullen, is also providing surgical masks. Please note the CDC does not recommend layering a KN95 mask with any other mask, but wearing a surgical mask underneath a cloth mask offers additional protection.

Testing Reminder

Starting tomorrow, we are beginning two weeks of random testing for students, faculty, and staff. Thanks to Sodexo, all selected participants will receive a coupon for an extra-large, freshly baked cookie from the Cove. If you are symptomatic and would like to be tested, our Health Center is ready to assist you.

Booster Vaccine Records 

Please submit your booster shot records to covidtesting@southwestern.edu. A photo of your COVID-19 vaccination record card is sufficient. Per CDC guidelines, if you have received your booster shot and are exposed, you do not have to quarantine. Make sure you let the Health Center know your status so you can continue going to class and other events.

Shout Out …

To Women’s Soccer Coach Linda Hamilton. Sunday, the National Soccer Hall of Fame announced that Linda is a member of the 2022 Hall of Fame Class. Linda, a former defender on the 1991 US Women's Soccer National Championship Team and World Cup-winner, will be enshrined on May 21. Congratulations, Linda!