I love to browse bookshelves — at the homes of friends, at the library, at a bookshop. When I was growing up, a favorite summer activity was biking to our public library, where I would wander through the stacks emerging later with a pile of reading treasures to take back home. Very rarely would I go in with a specific book in mind; usually it was just whatever titles grabbed my attention and suited my mood. The title had to stand on its own but also adequately (in my judgement) represent the book; indeed, my reading of the book always involved trying to answer the question of why the author selected that particular title.

So, imagine my delight in discovering author Kwame Alexander, and his use of book spine poetry — a simple but powerful activity where book titles are stacked to form poems. There is such delight in using some of your favorite books and interpreting the titles in a new way. One example from my bookshelves is pictured above. In the final days of break before the busyness of the semester takes over, give it a try — and please take a photo and share it with me.

Here's the latest from around the Beat:

Campus Recreation recently renewed its Exercise Is Medicine On Campus program through the American College of Sports Medicine. The goal is to help create a healthy academic environment where movement and well-being are part of our campus culture at every level. Now with the weather turning nicer and the days getting longer, there are some great opportunities to get involved. Check out this website for more information.

Please join one of the open listening sessions for the provost search on April 2. Conversations will be structured around three themes: the opportunities and challenges for the new provost; a description of the experience, credentials, skills and personal qualities that you value; and the main reasons individuals would want to pursue this role. All the information is on the provost search page.

Come out for UDance on April 12 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bob Carpenter Center. You will be joining thousands of Blue Hens to participate in the fifth-largest college dance marathon in the country. UDance is the culminating event of a yearlong effort to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer. Now in its 20th year, UDance has raised over $21 million for the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, the largest provider of financial assistance to families affected by childhood cancer in the nation.

I hope that you all received your email invitations to the Inauguration Celebration. This is a university-wide event, open to everyone in the community, and includes events throughout the state. Come on out for the Prez Run/Walk on April 16 and then plan to attend the ceremony with investiture on April 17 in front of Memorial Hall followed by a barbeque on the North Green. To give everyone an opportunity to participate, classes are suspended on April 17. Please take a moment to register so we have enough chairs and food!

I hope you have been enjoying the break. It is too quiet on campus — it will be great to see you all next week.

Yours in UD,