Dear College of Arts and Sciences Community,

As we head to a close of this academic year and cheer on the graduating Class of 2021, we realize that this has been anything other than a normal academic year. It has been difficult for many in this community. We donned masks, stayed apart, and used Zoom and other technologies to stay connected. We rode the ever-shifting waves of adjustments caused by the pandemic.

And we worried. Covid-19 forced us to look at the world with new eyes. It also reminded us of the importance of every day. Ignatian spirituality teaches us to find joy in the moment, to see love in the world. While we have mourned and suffered with this pandemic, witnessed a divisive polity, and seen visible signs of injustice, your foundation of service in this world as students, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff of this University has been a remarkable bedrock in these uncertain times.

Throughout this year I have seen the strength of this community. All the while, we have ensured educational quality and instructional continuity. We leaned on each other as we dug deep, developing new resiliencies. I am most proud of this resilience. Getting through this year as gracefully as you have speaks volumes to your ability to adapt and grow.

This year also saw the College continue its advance. As you will read in this newsletter, members of our faculty have received national attention; we have been involved in lifting up and celebrating alumni, and have engaged with industry leaders around our curriculum.

The College was proud to welcome into our fold the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, and collaborated with them on the thequicklive.com as our virtual stage for lectures and events. The Quick received a large grant from the Mellon Foundation to support arts creation, recognizing the importance of art-making for a wholistic education. We launched a new sports media major, opened a new integrated media lab and studio space, and are working with the Fairfield University Art Museum, the Quick, and our Visual and Performing Arts Department to pursue a unified and student-focused arts approach for the University.

I have never been more proud of a community than I am right now. It is my deepest honor to serve as your dean.

Stay well, stay safe, and GO STAGS!

Richard Greenwald, PhD

Dean, College of Arts and Sciences