End of Spring 2021 semester

May 12, 2021

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

May is always a time for reflection. As the spring 2021 semester comes to a close, we recognize the achievements of our students, faculty and staff over the past academic year and prepare to celebrate Commencement at Mackay Stadium.

As I look back at the sentence I just wrote, I have to admit that its resonant normalcy feels like it has been a long time coming, has been hard-earned and even with the gains we have made, still needs vigilance and laser-sharp focus in order to sustain it. This year has been different in so many ways. And yet here we are — ending a successful semester, congratulating our people for a job well done, and preparing for Commencement.

This is not to suggest that we are done with the pandemic. But certainly, after more than a year of our campus having to pivot in the face of COVID-19, this moment of relative normalcy we are experiencing is worth our thanks to everyone associated with our University for helping to make it happen. To reach this point has taken a focused and determined effort by all of you.

Because of the seriousness with which you took our health and safety guidelines this semester, and because of the fact that so many have received vaccinations this spring, we will be gathering — with social distancing and health protocols firmly in place — starting Wednesday and continuing through Saturday at Mackay Stadium to celebrate our graduates from the Classes of 2020 and 2021. The dreams of our graduates will be realized in person over the coming days. What a special moment it will be.

We have seen promising signs throughout this semester that the hard work has been paying off. For the past two weeks, there have been no positive COVID-19 cases recorded among our students, faculty and staff. Every effort was made by all of you to make this semester a success. We have laid the groundwork for what should be when we start the fall semester in August a much more in-person experience than any of us could have ever imagined last fall.

May is always our time of reflection. We reflect on what was, and we also look ahead to what can be. The spring 2021 semester will always be remembered for how it reminded all of us that the restorative hope of normalcy is well within our grasp. Thank you for all that you have done this semester.

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President