Update from the Dean-May 2019

May 2, 2019

We are putting a bow on the 2018-19 Academic Year, with final grades being calculated and intersession about to begin.

I will soon depart for my semi-annual Study Tour, Europe à la Mode, that takes both Liberal Arts and Fashion Marketing students to Florence, Paris, and London in an admittedly whirlwind fashion. Some College business to advance back in Paris after the students return to the States, and a bit of family vacation will round out my travels. I will entrust the keeping of the College to Associate Dean Roz Miller during my absence and have great confidence that she and you will keep us afloat.

It was a joy to shake all the hands at Commencement and to celebrate our students with many of you in attendance at the Undergraduate ceremony. We sent President Betz off with a good cheer and a well-deserved ovation; it felt right that CLA enjoyed that last send-off, as well.

The walls are coming down as old meets new and North Wing meets South Wing in a very immediate and concrete way! All systems are go to prepare both exterior and interior for a small Ribbon Cutting ceremony in June, which will signal our ability to move in to the new space and make ready for the Grand Opening in August. Parking will return to us just to the south as fencing and portable buildings are removed and resurfacing takes place in all due haste. And while we have visual access to the South Wing, please know that the space remains an active work zone and we are counseled to admire it from afar for just a bit longer as various elements are completed, furniture and fixtures are delivered and installed, and technology is put in place. There will be some North Wing changes, too, as classroom numbers are updated, public spaces are refreshed at bit, and the fire suppression system is activated. Thanks in advance for your patience during these final weeks!

We will celebrate the Official Grand Opening of the South Wing following our Back-to-School Meeting – stay tuned for an invitation.

Whatever your summer has in store, I hope you will take advantage of the College’s slower pace and enjoy some well-deserved down time. We will be back at it again before very long!

All my best,

Cathy Webster, Ph.D.