One of the goals I shared at inauguration was for us to work together to create a more thriving community on campus.
Over the last several months, our Colorado College and Colorado Springs communities have faced multiple traumas. The recent tragic hate crime against our LGBTQIA+ community at Club Q has compounded the grief that we were already experiencing.
I’ve had the opportunity to talk with many of you recently – students, faculty, and staff as well as concerned parents and alumni. People have shared their exhaustion, fear, and frustration, as well as their hope and optimism for a better future.
I also heard that we want to come together as a community to discuss ongoing trauma, its impact on our individual and collective mental health, and healing. Part of that healing lies in action and supporting each other. We are a community that cares a lot about each other and working together to create an even more compassionate community is something we all want to do.
To that end, I have asked our faculty to start classes at 10 a.m. next Monday, Dec. 5, so we can gather to address these important issues.
Please join us on Monday, Dec. 5, at 8:30 a.m. in Kathryn Mohrman Theatre in Armstrong Hall (or register in advance to join via Zoom) for a Community Conversation on our approach to creating a more compassionate and thriving Colorado College. We’ll provide a grab-and-go breakfast as part of the event.
I’ll share some opening remarks and then we’ll have a panel including experts in trauma and mental health as well as perspectives from students, faculty, and staff.
Sincerely,
