And then the semester ended and we were all together. Pirates, the next few days will be a blur of capstones, research papers, exams, and farewells. For our seniors, the farewells will take on a different hue as you will be bidding goodbye to one of the most important times of your lives—the years you spent as a liberal arts college student. These are days of mixed emotions, excitement about the future and a sense of sadness as change occurs without mercy. I look forward to seeing you all cross the stage at commencement with your intelligence and confidence shining through for everyone to celebrate. Seniors, take a moment to appreciate these last few days, attend Senior Week events, and enjoy being a college student for just a little while longer. I will celebrate with you as you walk across the stage on May 9.
As for the rest of the pirate nation, we'll see you again in August. We will be very busy while you are away, making improvements in residence halls, amenities, and landscaping as well as finalizing building projects. There will be much to take in upon your return. Keep your fingers crossed that we can start the year sans masks, but if we have learned anything over the past few years it is that, as Virginia Woolf declared, “The future is dark, which is the best thing the future can be, I think.” We know that plans will be changed and there are limits to what we can control. What matters most is our response to the unpredictable, and I thank you all for your thoughtful and caring responses in such hard and difficult times.
Happenings on Campus
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Baseball: This is your last chance to head out to the ballpark before the end of the season. The baseball team takes on Howard Payne University today and the University of Dallas this weekend.
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Denim Day: On Wednesday, the Counseling and Health Center, in partnership with a number of student organizations, is hosting activities across campus meant to honor survivors of sexual assault while also providing educational and support materials. Join them in their support by wearing denim tomorrow.
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Capstone Presentations: Multiple capstone presentations are happening across campus this week. Check with your professors to see if there are presentations in your major that you can attend to support your fellow Pirates.
Shoutouts
Congratulations to our men’s golf team for staging a late comeback to win the 2022 SCAC Men’s Golf Championship! Southwestern junior Christian Rodriguez took home the SCAC individual champion title.
Last, but by no means least, I have time for one last walk of the year this Friday and you are all invited. Rise and shine, my place at 7:30 a.m. While we are anticipating seeing rainbows and unicorns, there will be plenty of Northern Cardinals, Bewick's Wrens, the hardy Gray Catbird and, of course, muffins.
