With the beginning of the autumn season, I want to take a moment to introduce myself to you all as your new Associate Vice President of Wellness. In my first few months at CC, I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you and learning about the passions of this community. I look forward to more deeply engaging in conversations, initiatives, and programming that will elevate our campus commitment to mental health and wellness even further.

Autumn is an exciting time to be a part of the vibrant, engaged, and powerful CC community. There will be many opportunities for us to come together during this season full of holidays, commemorations, and remembrances. As such, we support our community which encompasses a wide range of religious traditions and spiritual practices. With all there is to be a part of, I want to encourage you to explore how you can support yourself and those around you during this season of change, including communicating with each other ahead of important religious events and activities to seek accommodations. Further information on supporting religious diversity and inclusion can be viewed on the Chaplain’s website.

We invite you to join us this evening at Cornerstone Arts Center for a program where we will gather and hold space for possibility and hope. Programming will start at 5:30 p.m. with a luminaria lighting, followed by chai tea served at 6:30 p.m. and culminating at 7 p.m. with The Revolutionary Bus Tour with Valarie Kaur. This event is an excellent opportunity to slow down, connect with others, and reconnect with your own intentions for the season ahead.

I’d also like to invite you all to join me, Rosalie Rodriguez, Chief Diversity Officer, and Debi O’Connor, Director of Employee Relations & Support, for our workshop “Communicating Care” on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 3:30 p.m. in Gaylord Hall. Participants in this workshop will learn strategies to voice their support for anyone experiencing distress, including how to offer help. We will also review how each of our wellness-related resources can assist individuals in need.

CC has an abundance of resources available to all members of the campus community:

I am grateful to join this campus and be a part of our journey towards a truly thriving community where we can explore, investigate, and experience the joy of discovering our wellness together. Please remember, it is always a good thing to reach out for help, even if you aren’t sure you need support. And it is always a good thing to check-in with those around you.

With gratitude, in community, and in good health,

Associate Vice President for Wellness