Dear IU Students and Colleagues,
Three months ago, and after more than five months apart, we returned to our campuses for a new academic year. We knew that it would be a year unlike any other. At the time, many questioned whether we could stay together in person. Some said it could not be done. Skepticism was rife.
But we have proved that it could be done — overwhelmingly so!
So as we conclude the in-person part of the fall 2020 semester, and as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and the season of gratitude, I want to say thank you.
Those of you who comprise IU's outstanding student body deserve our deepest thanks, appreciation and gratitude for the way you have rigorously adhered to the health and public safety processes that were necessary during these challenging times and that have made this success possible. We are so proud of you for the way you have responded to the pandemic and for the great compassion you have shown to one another and to all members of the IU community.
To all of our faculty and staff, we are enormously grateful for your unflinching hard work and the myriad contributions you have made toward the continuation of IU's teaching and research missions, and to keeping our campus environments as safe as possible. Many of you have had to go well beyond what would normally be expected of you, and you have done so uncomplainingly. It has truly been an inspiration to watch you work with dedication and commitment and in ways that have shined a bright spotlight on the resilience, fortitude and special character the IU community has shown during the pandemic.
The strength, perseverance and kindness that members of the IU community have exhibited this fall semester, the sacrifices and the collective contributions you have all made toward ensuring that IU prevailed successfully in this crisis give me great confidence that we can enthusiastically welcome everyone back to our campuses in February.
Until then, my very best wishes for your continued health and well-being, a very happy but safe Thanksgiving, and my appreciation for all you continue to do to keep our university #IUStrong.