Welcome back! I hope you all had a little extra time to catch your breath, maybe sleep in, and enjoy some wonderful home-cooked meal. Personally, my favorite post-Thanksgiving meal is pie for breakfast.

And now friends, the countdown is on to the end of the semester. Only one more week of classes, then final examinations. We are in the home stretch. Remember to get some rest, refrain from having too many caffeinated drinks, and take deep yoga breaths when you wake up. I understand the next three weeks will be stressful, but I know you can do this! 

Speaking of healthy eating, take a break from studying and join us for the final Sweet Surprise of the semester! We’ll be on the Academic Mall tomorrow from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Candlelight

Southwestern’s annual holiday tradition of Candlelight Services will take place in the Lois Perkins Chapel this Thursday. Join me in attending this 106-year tradition. This service of lessons and carols welcomes our community to the chapel for a time of worship and singing.

There will be two evening ceremonies, one at 6 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. Currently, all in-person seats are filled, but you can watch the 6 p.m. service virtually.

Finals Preparation Insider Tips

Southwestern has multiple opportunities for assistance: Tomorrow, Mosaic, the Debby Ellis Writing Center, and the Peer Academic Mentors are helping you prep for finals examinations. I want to give a special shout out to the Writing Center for all their great work with my students. Then this weekend, de-stress by having a little fun at the Laser Tag Showdown or winding down at Self-Care Saturday.

More Shout Outs

Congratulations to Professor of Chemistry Emily Niemeyer who has received a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to help attract, retain, and graduate students with high financial need who are majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Dr. Niemeyer will serve as principal investigator for the six-year project, titled “Equipped for Success: Science Identity, Community, and Engagement to Promote STEM Student Persistence.”

I am also excited to announce that Southwestern University is among a select group of NetVUE members chosen to receive a $40,000 NetVUE Grant for Reframing the Institutional Saga. This award enables SU to reexamine and reframe its history, identity, and heritage in light of its present context.

Health & Safety Updates

I am so glad and proud of our Pirates surpassing the 90% vaccination rate goal! Yet, “Into each life some rain must fall” (thank you Henry Wadsworth Longfellow), another new viral variation is on the horizon. Omicron is now making its worldwide debut and it remains to be seen just how deadly it will prove. At this time, Williamson County still remains in the orange zone and I’m hoping that we will move to yellow as soon as possible. We are anticipating that a booster clinic will be on campus at the start of the spring semester for everyone’s convenience. 

You have done a wonderful job keeping our campus positivity rate low all semester. Let’s finish strong!

Enjoy this picture of the campus at 6:45 a.m. this morning!