Thankful for You

Dear Colleagues,

As the holiday season begins, I want to tell you how grateful I am to be a member of this community. It has been an honor to serve as acting provost alongside each of you this semester.

We continue to navigate circumstances we could not have foreseen just a few years ago. At every step of the way, however, you have stepped up and met the moment. You have demonstrated the compassion and determination that distinguish this special place.

Since I assumed this position just more than four months ago, it has become so apparent how passionate, resilient and caring for our students and colleagues you are, particularly in a time of challenge. Because of you, there is much for which I am thankful.

I am thankful for our faculty members who have delivered the transformative UK experience — in evolving circumstances — allowing us to return to a vast majority of courses delivered in person.

I am thankful for our students who remind us each day why we are here — to prepare the next generation of leaders, artists, scholars, healers and public servants.

I am thankful for our staff who deliver on our mission each and every day, despite facing new challenges.

I am thankful for the deliberative spirit of our partners in the University Senate and the collegial dialogue that shows our common purpose.

I am thankful for the committed community members across our campus who helped shape our strategic plan — a roadmap for our university’s success.

I am thankful for steady and sturdy leadership across campus.

I am thankful for this place — a campus that brings opportunities for transdisciplinary efforts that uplift communities — and the future we will build together.

I hope you are able to take time for yourselves to engage in rest and rejuvenation during the Thanksgiving break. Remember that, just as you have provided care and support for your students and colleagues this academic year, it is also important to engage in self-care.

Thank you for everything you have done — and continue to do — to uplift those we serve through education, research, service and care.

This holiday season, I am grateful for you.

With best wishes,

Robert S. DiPaola, MD