When I announced that I would be retiring in the fall this year, it didn’t occur to me that I was setting myself up to subsequently start having many “last-time” experiences. This month brought a big one: Commencement.
Commencement has been a profound experience for me since the beginning of my tenure. One reason for that is at the University of Toronto, where I worked prior to Rochester, the ceremony was always indoors. Here, I love the majesty of the Eastman Quad with all of the pomp and circumstance creates a palpable sense of achievement. That’s what made last year’s shift to a virtual celebration particularly heartbreaking. I’m experiencing that feeling a little bit this year too, as I was not able to attend the ceremony. More unfortunately, I will not be in attendance for the 2022 ceremony. While I’m sad I had my last traditional Commencement without knowing it, I’m overjoyed for the Class of 2021 who got to have the graduation experience they envisioned as first-years (albeit a slightly different version).
The in-person Commencement is a noticeable step that we’re getting closer to reclaiming the University experience we’re used to. That being said, I find it remarkable how much we’ve accomplished in the shadow of the pandemic. The entire University community has shown admirable resilience. In this regard, I need to recognize the unshakeable efforts of library staff members. During a time when it would have been perfectly acceptable to simply keep the lights on and the doors open, our staff found ways to continue moving forward.
Speaking of moving forward, work on the Gleason and Carlson Library Refresh Projects and Studio X has officially begun! This work, as I’ve mentioned often in the past, was put on indefinite pause by the pandemic. It’s beyond exciting to have these back on track and scheduled to be ready for students to enjoy when they return in the fall.
Summer is often a quieter time for many at the University, but I assure you there’s still a lot happening at the libraries. I encourage you to keep up with us on social media and through the Tower Talk newsletter.
Mary Ann Mavrinac
Vice Provost and Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean
University of Rochester Libraries
