Dear Members of the UMass Boston Community,
I am writing to you in the spirit of solidarity, fraternity, and good will. The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging communities at home and abroad in new and unprecedented ways. My heart goes out to all our health care workers, our faculty, students, and staff in our collective endeavors to help find solutions and ameliorate the suffering of those most affected by the pandemic. As we move forward, mindful of the guidelines offered by the Chancellor’s Office, as well as local, state, and international health organizations we must be open minded and clear-eyed.
As a scholarly institution facing the pandemic now and moving forward we must reaffirm our commitment to every member of our community, including those who have traveled to UMass Boston from around the globe. The ethic of care must animate our shared work. Now more than ever kindness, respect, and empathy are of paramount importance. Our community will be strengthened by working together and embracing our diversity. Thank you for everything you are doing during these challenging and uncertain times. Many people are understandably concerned and anxious about COVID-19 – here in Los Angeles where I now live, in Boston – my once and future home, and all over our country and the world.
Interim Chancellor Newman, her leadership team and all members of the UMass Boston community have worked diligently to preserve health and safety – and my deepest hope is that these efforts will be successful.
My thoughts and best wishes are with you.
In solidarity,
Marcelo M. Suárez-Orozco
UCLA Wasserman Dean and Chancellor Elect, UMass Boston
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