Welcome back, everyone! What a blessing to see more familiar faces and hear more conversations in the hallways again after 15 months of remote work arrangements for so many of us.

I’ve often talked about the importance of a strong sense of community at Mendoza — of realizing that we are in the same “fleet of boats” sailing together to the same destination (to reference The Great Wave analogy). We are at our best when we recognize that we have a shared purpose, with a responsibility to each other and in need of help from others. This is how we not only get through difficulties, but how we rise above them to succeed.

This is the spirit that has been displayed time and time again in this past year and a half. We have weathered many “great waves,” personally and professionally, and I know it hasn’t been easy. I am incredibly grateful for the immense amount of hard work, patience and flexibility you’ve devoted in service of our students and our broader mission.

COVID, unfortunately, is not totally behind us, and undoubtedly there will be new challenges that arise. Some of you may be anxious about returning to the office environment and assuming your “new normal” routine, which is totally understandable. With the new academic year before us, I encourage you to celebrate the community we share by reconnecting with old friends and reaching out to new colleagues. This might be as simple as a hallway chat, going to the lounge for coffee or participating in social activities.

As a small token of appreciation, I’m pleased to give each faculty and staff member a special Mendoza Centennial t-shirt as a thank-you gift for your service and sacrifices. The shirts have the Centennial logo on the front and the striking “100” illustration from Mendoza Business magazine on the back. All are invited to attend the “Donuts with the Dean” event tomorrow (Tuesday) from 9-10:30 a.m. in Stayer Commons A and you may pick up your shirts at that time. You may also pick up t-shirts in Faculty Support.

As a reminder, Rob Kelly, the new senior director of operations, will be on hand during the “Donuts” event to introduce himself. Please stop by to welcome him.

I want to thank the Mendoza Staff Social Committee for planning this and other events this week to help transition back to working from campus, and the Communications group for arranging the t-shirt.

Again, welcome back, everyone, and go Irish!

In Notre Dame,

Martijn