With the passing of our November 1 deadline, we now have a record 3,410 applications in hand — 1,000 more than our highest previous year. As interest in the Park Scholarship continues to strengthen, our community continues to show me why. A few weeks ago I traveled with our sophomores to Washington, DC for their Learning Lab II to study how leaders address the complex challenges associated with immigration. I was so proud of how our students engaged with this complicated topic. Our freshmen, too, have launched their Park journey through forming their planning committees and participating in the National Coalition Building Institute’s full-day “Building Bridges” seminar. Our juniors are making great progress through their Class Legacy project of reinventing SPIFFY for our next quarter century, and finalizing plans for the next Gerald H. Elkan Distinguished Lecture in Science and Society which is set for Monday, Nov. 7. And finally, the Class of 2023 hosted an excellent William C. Friday Award event on Thursday.
We are deeply saddened that Andrea Watson ‘11 passed away recently. Read a tribute to Andrea from the Park Scholarships program based on the obituary shared by her family. Andrea was a bright light and I know we each feel grateful to have shared time with her through the Park Scholarships program.
NC State announced that we will observe a Wellness Day on Thursday, Nov. 3. We continue to speak often to the Park Scholars about the importance of taking care of themselves. I want to elevate this imperative in your own lives, too. Be sure that as you support others, that you care for yourselves as well.
In the Chancellor’s annual Fall address given on Monday, Oct. 31, Chancellor Randy Woodson said, “At NC State, you are a member of the Pack. It isn’t about any one of us, it is about what we think and do together. What we’re striving for though is on a bigger scale. It started 135 years ago and will continue long after you and I are gone. But it’s a privilege and a pleasure to run with the Pack, as long as we’re able to carry out the university’s mission, carry it forward and make this world a better place.” I agree. Thank you to all of you who are part of our Pack.
Eva
