Dear alumni and friends,
As 2021 comes to a close, I must say, “what a year!” Who would have expected we’d still be in the midst of the pandemic, thinking about long-term strategies to promote work, or learning with flexibility? Many may have thought the pandemic and all that is happening in the world would paralyze us. This is far from true. When I take a few moments to reflect, I think about and am amazed by all the adapting, flexing, learning and pushing forward we’ve done.
The year hasn’t been without its challenges. Students, faculty, staff, alumni or friends have faced uncertainty, illness and loss, and a rapid pace of change. Many faculty and alumni have been challenged, similar to other healthcare professionals, to meet the healthcare needs of patients and communities. In some cases, this has led to stress and/or burnout. Students, faculty and staff, and many others continue to find new ways to connect, to learn and to work - from fully remote to our new hybrid approach. In spite of it all, we have preserved and supported one another, our patients and our communities. We have not simply existed, but rather we have grown in new ways because of our commitment and our adaptability. As Charles Darwin said, “it is not the strongest species who survives, nor the most intelligent, it is the one that is most adaptable to change.”
I’ll close with a hearty THANK YOU for all you do as amazing members and partners of our College of Pharmacy community. I wish you a happy holiday season and hope you’ll also take time to reflect and be proud of all that’s been accomplished this year. While we continue to face unparalleled challenges in the profession, know that we all will work together to adapt and find new creative solutions to overcome these obstacles. Together, with our creativity and dedication, we will have an amazing 2022. I am looking forward to it and I hope you are, too.
With gratitude,
Lynda S. Welage, PharmD, FCCP
Dean