In college I did my student teaching in a first-grade classroom, and I loved reading aloud to the students after lunch recess. The book pictured above was the hands-down class favorite. It is a book that is true to its title, presenting 10 rules to help readers find the perfect rock for themselves. The photo also shows three rocks that I have collected over the years using these rules. Imagine my delight, then, in walking into Geology 202 last week, only to hear Professor Wallace ask each of us to come up to a central table and pick a rock that spoke to us. The very best part of the class? Hearing the story of him finding each and every rock.

I also attended Professor Trivedi’s Anthropology 440 class where we tried to come up with a definition of disaster and discussed impact and historical context. In Professor Stein’s 341 leadership and decision-making class, we talked how to assess the impact of a decision and how we decide whether a decision is fair.

All were first day classes, comprised of engrossing conversations between professors and students that not only conveyed the key issues they would take on during the semester, but also showcased the passion and depth of expertise of our faculty. I left each one wishing I could spend the semester with them on the journey that they outlined. My gratitude to Adam, Karen, Jen and your classes for welcoming my attendance. To instructors — if you are open to me visiting your class in the spring or beyond, please reach out.

Here is the latest from around the beat:

I hope you can take a moment to get outside and enjoy all of the energy on campus. There is nothing like walking with a group of students heading to class. If you see me out there, please take a moment to say hello.

I am pleased to provide a link to a new strategic planning website that has a timeline for our strategic planning efforts over the fall, winter, and spring semesters. We are organizing the conversations for the strategic plan into working groups defined around our 9 declarations. Please use this link to indicate your interest. Deadline is Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Thanks to those who indicated interest in the spring; we will reach out and confirm your interest and availability.

As Prez Run launches into its 2nd year, take a moment to scroll through our weekly photos and enjoy the change of seasons. Come on out and join any week — we run every Thursday at 7 am from Mentor’s Circle. All students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome. We run at all paces and in all weather. A shout out to the women’s rowing team who joined us this morning!

And if running is not your thing — just think back to the incredible involvement fair! There are so many happenings around campus. I hope we all can make time to get out and enjoy being part of this incredible community, in whatever way makes sense for you.

Good luck to all fall sports and club teams whose competitive seasons are now underway. I hear there will be fireworks and a flyover at the opening football game tonight.

Zoom-ins are back for the Fall semester on the following Mondays @ 4:00 p.m. Sept 28, Oct. 19, and Nov. 19. Please see the President's webpage for the link.

Yours in UD,