November 9, 2016

Dear Members of the College Community,

We have now come to the end of one of the most acrimonious presidential campaigns in history with the election of one of the most unlikely presidential candidates in history. None of us can know at this point what this will mean for our country or our College. But I suspect that everyone, whatever your political views, is wondering about that very question.

At the Second Annual State of the College address for staff this morning, I began by acknowledging the range of things people must be feeling: fear, anger, relief, despair. I went on to say something that I want to say to all of you now. Through these many months of derisive and divisive politics, there’s one thing I have become increasingly grateful for: and that is the spirit of collaboration, and the values of equity and justice, that bind this community together. That is what makes this College great. In the months and years ahead—no matter what happens—I am committed to building on that strength.

I want to thank the chaplains for creating a space for quiet reflection today at noon, and Dean McKnight and his staff for organizing the forum, “What Next?,” tonight at 5 p.m. in Cro’s Nest. Please think about attending. We have a lot of important work to do now. I look forward to doing it together.

Yours,
 
Katherine Bergeron
President