Dear alumni,
What
a wonderful conversation we had last week during the alumni town hall.
Thank you for the overwhelming response and for the informed, insightful
questions. We hope that this is the first in a series of conversations
to strengthen your visibility and involvement with the College and our
students, faculty, staff, and fellow alumni. We have made the recording available to those who were not able to participate, so you can also hear about all that is happening at the College.
For
me, the most memorable parts of the conversation were talking about how
Nazareth is persevering during the pandemic, reflecting on leadership
during a time of such significant challenge, and thinking about the
significance and excitement of our upcoming centennial celebration of
the founding of Nazareth College.
I
am moved and amazed by how we are thriving amidst the steep challenges
posed by the pandemic. It is through the ingenuity of our faculty and
staff, community commitment and responsibility of our students, and
strong and supportive community partnerships that we have persisted so
strongly. We have shown that Nazareth is unstoppable, and the value of a
Nazareth education is powerfully resonant in our world today. I am so
proud of our students, faculty, and staff!
I
was asked many thoughtful questions during the town hall. One question
was about what has prepared me for being a leader during such a
tumultuous time. I started by remarking that I haven’t ever shied away
from challenges. What I have come to especially value during my short
time at Nazareth is being part of a community in which everyone is a
learner. When faced with such unprecedented times, it is curiosity,
ingenuity, and humility that guides us through. The compounding
challenges of the pandemic, economic challenge, social unrest, and
environmental stress require us to forge new paths forward. I won’t
always get it right but I will always learn and then try another way
forward, guided by the hope and light of our mission and values.
We
also talked about our upcoming centennial celebration in 2024, and the
uncanny parallel between our current time and the time of our founding.
Nazareth was founded on the heels of the pandemic of 1918, during a time
of significant community distress and revolutionary change. We were
formed to lead social reform and progress toward a more just society.
Now, again, we are facing a time of community distress that calls for
revolutionary change. Our centennial is a wonderful opportunity to
consider and celebrate the accomplishments of our first 100 years, and
to look forward to how we will help form a healthier and more just
society in our next 100 years — reflection that can be a welcome source
of inspiration and hope.
This week, we celebrate Naz Day on Thursday, September 24.
Let’s use this day to contemplate the past, present, and future meaning
and mission of Nazareth College. As part of my Naz Day reflections, I
celebrate YOU, our alumni who bring life to our mission in so many
important ways. Through your life’s work, you bring the beauty and power
of Nazareth College to our world. I extend special recognition of our
alumni who are on the front lines in our communities during such a
complex and stressful time — health care professionals, educators, first
responders, civic leaders, and all essential workers. I send my high
regard and appreciation to you, and to all. The future is bright when
viewed through the heart of Nazareth College.
Warmly,
Beth Paul
Beth Paul
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