I typically prefer soup to sandwiches — that is, except for the summer when I can go out into my garden, pick some tomatoes and cucumbers, and create a masterpiece that is like tasting summer itself. Multi-grain sourdough bread, a smidge of mayonnaise and dashes of salt and pepper. It is the best there is. The years-long debate in my house has been whether this actually is a sandwich or just bread with condiments. That was definitively resolved this year by Stephen Colbert, who claimed in one of his closing episodes that this is his favorite summer sandwich (his winter favorite was pastrami, with which I also have to agree). That said, I still do eat soup in the summer — every Sunday night is gazpacho night, also straight from the garden. If you have a variant of the classic tomato/cucumber sandwich that you want to share or your own garden specialty, please send it my way.

Here is the latest from around the Beat

As I write this, I am saddened to report that I can hear the sounds of the tree removal crew taking down the lovely oak tree that welcomes you from South College Avenue to Mentors’ Circle. Last week the tree split, felling a huge limb. This revealed considerable rot which compromised the tree’s structural integrity, necessitating that it be taken down. We will put in a new planting as a replacement. If you have suggestions for what could go there, please send them to me.

Over the July 4th weekend, I had a great time participating in the community reading of the Declaration of Independence in historic Lewes. This was a lovely extension of a family tradition of reading aloud these historic words and reminding ourselves of the country’s founding.

This is a great community-gathering week:

• Tuesday — We will launch the first of our five Summer 2026 AI Conversations with a discussion on AI and Teaching. The conversations will bring together campus perspectives on AI across teaching, learning, research, innovation, workforce development, and operations. Each will include a working lunch at the President’s House, 47 Kent Way, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please let us know if you’d like to participate. More information about the series is on the president’s page.
• Wednesday — The inaugural Community Read-In is noon to 1 p.m. at the President’s House. I’ll provide refreshments, snacks, and comfy seating indoors and outdoors, and you bring yourself and a book. We will take the first 15 minutes to get settled, read uninterrupted for 30 minutes, and then share for 15 minutes at the end.
• Thursday — The twice-monthly Prez Walk steps off at noon at Mentors’ Circle. It might be warm so bring a water bottle if you come or just join us next time if it’s too hot. And for you runners, come join the weekly Thursday Prez Runs which start at 7 a.m. from Mentors’ Circle. Check out the president’s page for dates for these events and updates based on weather conditions.

Looking ahead, I’ll be throwing out the first pitch at the Wilmington Blue Rocks game at 6:35 p.m. on Aug. 5, so we are turning this into a UD community event, with reduced ticket packages (promo code UD2627). Coordinate with your units and come on out to enjoy a lovely summer night.

And finally, our Twilight Induction Ceremony is right around the corner (Aug. 24), and planning is underway. We are excited that we will recognize all newcomers to the University — students in all programs, staff and faculty — while also continuing with Twilight’s cherished traditions. All are welcome.

Yours in UD,