Dear students, faculty, and staff,
On Thursday, May 23, we invite you to take part in a Day for Community. The program, which is open to all, is one step in our campus community’s journey of reflection, connection, and community building following the protest on the Green on May 1, and the impact that evening has had on our campus community.
Despite these challenging times, our community is resilient, and even when we disagree we can make room for listening and discussion. Let's return to that place and find a path forward.
Developed in consultation with Senior Vice President and Senior Diversity Officer Shontay Delalue, as well as students, faculty, and staff representatives, the activities will take place from 12:30-6:30 p.m. and include wellness sessions, listening and processing circles, meditation and journaling, and food and reflection stations. Here are the events and locations:
- 12:30-1 p.m.: Calming Everyday Anxiety, live webinar provided by Headspace (watch for link in upcoming Vox listing)
- 2-6 p.m.: Food and Reflection Spaces for drop-in engagement (Baker 1902 Room, Hinman Forum, Life Sciences Center first floor gallery)
- 2-4:30 and 4:30-6:30 p.m.: Reflection and Connection Listening Circles, two sessions of moderated conversation for students, faculty, and staff, as well as circles for impacted communities and students only (Rollins Chapel)
- 3:15-4:30 p.m.: Stronger Together: A Space to Process Impact in Community, with Liz Stahler, assistant director of counseling for acuity care (Haldeman 031)
- 5-5:45 p.m.: Deep Relaxation iRest Meditation + Journaling Session (Rollins Chapel)
Classes will be in session during the events, and we encourage you to participate as your schedule allows.
Thursday’s events are also an opportunity for us to be together in grief and mutual support following the deaths this term of two beloved students, Julia Cross ’24, and Guarini PhD student Kexin Cai. They were cherished by their friends, family, and loved ones and will be deeply missed. In addition, there will be a vigil, open to all, honoring the memory of Kexin tonight at 5 p.m. outside Rollins Chapel. For Guarini community members, counselors will be available today for drop-in sessions in Guarini Commons, in Anonymous Hall.
I hope you will embrace these opportunities to engage with one another and allow for the expression of varied voices, while also taking a moment to be together in community. I will be in touch as the year progresses with information on additional events this summer and fall.
With best wishes,
Estevan Garcia
Chief Health and Wellness Officer