The Sweet Surprise

We didn’t let a little rain dampen our spirits during last week’s Sweet Surprise. The treats from Crumbl Cookies were a huge hit. Please join us this afternoon for another sweet treat from the Captain. This week, we’ll be back on the academic mall from 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Veterans Day

Thursday is Veterans Day. This is the day I give thanks to my father and uncle for their service in the United States Navy during World War II. On behalf of our entire community, our gratitude goes to all our students, faculty, staff, and alumni who served or currently serve for their courage and commitment to our country. We will honor veterans with a flag raising on the Academic Mall at 9:30 a.m. The mall will also be filled with American flags and messages of thanks to veterans from our students, faculty, and staff.

Go Pirates!

“It hit, it hit, it hit!” were the words I heard from impassioned Women’s Basketball Coach Greta Grothe during their winning game this weekend. I enjoyed being in the crowd at both of our basketball home openers and encourage you to catch an upcoming game. Check out their schedules and I will see you at the courts!

Also, a special shout out to our volleyball team who is headed to the NCAA tournament. On Monday, it was announced that they will play Washington & Lee this Thursday in the first round of the tournament. Wishing them the best of luck.

Back on Stage

This weekend the Theatre Department is back on stage with a performance of She Kills Monsters. The show runs Friday–Sunday in Jones Theater.

Morning Walk

Now that we are no longer on daylight saving time, it’s lighter in the mornings and easier to get out of bed. You are welcome to join me at 7:30 a.m. at my house next Monday for walking, talking, and munching on baked goods.

Shout Out . . .

. . . to Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Beth Everett and the Chorale for their first performance in 2 years last Saturday! They performed "Hope" to a sold out crowd. If you missed it, you can watch it on the Sarofim School of Fine Arts Youtube page.

Health & Safety Update

Getting a flu shot is especially important this year for keeping us and our loved ones out of a health care system that is over-burdened by COVID-19. You can stop by the Health Center (Prothro 200) Monday–Friday between 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m. to get your shot (Faculty and Staff on SU’s insurance plan, you are eligible too). Help us stop the flu before flu season even starts!

Vaccination Updates (as of November 9, 2021)

• Student vaccination rate: 89.5%
• Faculty vaccination rate: 94.5%
• Staff vaccination rate: 84.6%
• University cumulative vaccination rate: 89%

Last week, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced its requirement for employers with 100 or more employees to ensure each of their workers is fully vaccinated or tests for COVID-19 on at least a weekly basis. Southwestern is included in this new mandate which includes our student workers. While we are largely in compliance with the OSHA directive, we will continue to monitor the situation and await the outcome of the legal challenges.

Also, after meeting with our Health and Safety Committee, I have good news: fewer than 10 students need to get vaccinated to reach our 90% vaccination goal. Let’s get there before the end of the semester! Your gift is gathering dust in its secret hiding place.

To keep up with the latest stats, visit the COVID-19 dashboard on our Health and Safety website.