As I write this message, the cement for our new outdoor basketball court is being poured. A beautiful sight, and one that makes me think of a few things we can start planning. First, we need to figure out a name for the court with accompanying signage, and second, I’m looking forward to the first SU outdoor intramural basketball competitions! Trophies for the winners will be provided.
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Our relocated sand volleyball court is also underway and all set to be ready for Pirates to volley and spike in October. As you can hear and see, our reroofing is well underway and slated to finish by Homecoming, as well as our new library decks where outdoor Adirondack furniture will be placed for everyone’s enjoyment. Our Facilities Management team has been adding additional pedestrian lights to help keep our campus safe at night; this project is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month.
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Vaccination Updates (as of September 22, 2021)
- Student vaccination rate: 88.9%
- Faculty vaccination rate: 90.3% (The addition of 16 new faculty hires to the dashboard on Sept. 10, 2021, resulted in an adjustment to the faculty vaccination percentage. Because employment status precedes other information about new hires, the faculty vaccination percentage will remain relatively fluid over the next several days as new faculty complete their orientation.)
- Staff vaccination rate: 81.4%
- University cumulative vaccination rate: 87.7%
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Students you are very close to reaching your 90% vaccination rate goal. Remember, Pirates, when you reach your goal (I am cheering you on!), you will receive a tangible gift from the Captain (in addition to the peace of mind knowing you are better protected against COVID-19). Once the positivity rate in Williamson County declines to a safer level, the Health and Safety Committee will reconsider current masking policies.
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Student testing happens every Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Robertson Center. The Georgetown Public Library also provides free testing. Be sure to get your results to covidtesting@southwestern.edu by 2:00 p.m. on Friday each week. Only PCR tests are accepted. Visit the Health Center to find other off-campus testing locations.
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Sweet Surprise returns today from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Courtyard. And the sweet surprise this week is—actually, I have no idea! The secret committee refuses to divulge its sweet secrets. The Captain is loving seeing you all there, and nearly 500 Pirates have come every week. The Captain has promised to make sure that gluten-free and vegan options will be available and is very sorry that we ran out of treats last week. ARRGH! The Captain nearly walked the plank for that!
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It is great to see our students, staff, families, faculty and neighbors turn out for our athletic competitions.
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If you haven’t attended one of our men’s and women’s soccer games, I highly recommend it! In addition to the large crowds, we also have a regular dog cheer section. When everyone screams for the Pirates, our dogs howl, and Miss Twinkles is loving every moment.
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One of my favorite knucklehead comedies is “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” featuring this classic line: “If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.” So true. Have a blast!
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Also, not to be missed this weekend!
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The Sarofim School of Fine Arts’ Theatre Department is proud to present American La Ronde, a bold adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler’s Reigen by Steven Dietz. The show runs this weekend, September 24–26. Tickets are free for Southwestern students, and you can pick yours up at the Box Office located just outside the Alma Thomas Theatre.
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Lastly, fall is here and with that the cooler weather! I invite all of you to join me on my weekly walks with Ms. Twinkles on Monday mornings at 7:30 a.m. This week, I will be making my homemade rice crispie treats for everyone to enjoy.
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Did I miss anything? Please use this feedback form to let me know what you would like to see in these weekly messages.
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Wishing you a great week!
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Laura Skandera Trombley
President
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