President Rebecca M. Bergman
It is a busy time of year for our Gustavus community. The fall semester is quickly drawing to a close. Holiday traditions and activities are in full swing in our personal lives and all across campus.
During these activity-filled days, I encourage you to find time to reflect on our 2018-19 theme of “Values in Action.” What have you done differently as we have discussed how to put our core values — Excellence, Community, Service, Justice, and Faith — into action? Now is a great time to take stock of your success in living out our core values here at Gustavus.
What are the specific ways you are striving to:
- Deliver Excellence
- Value Community
- Pursue Justice
- Demonstrate Service
- Explore Faith
One at a time, our values are noteworthy. Taken together, they are powerful. Over this next week, I challenge you to be conscious of the large and small ways you can put all five of our core values into action.
Excellence: Do you hold yourself to a standard of excellence in everything you do? When this is multiplied over all Gustavus employees, this is a mighty force and a contagious attitude. Be an excellence crusader.
Community: What can you do to genuinely support, value, and appreciate others for their contributions to our community? It truly takes all of us to build a vibrant community and successfully deliver on our mission. Take time to notice and commend your colleagues for the work they do.
Justice: How can we, as a community, pursue justice in our daily work? One area of focus in the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Are you consciously valuing diversity, treating others with a sense of equity, and working in ways that are fully inclusive?
Service: Service happens in relationship with others. In the midst of your endless to-do lists, remember that small acts of service can have a very high impact on the people around you. Find ways to nurture your relationships, connect with others, and practice kindness. The world, and our own community, will be a better place.
Faith: Think about how your faith is integrated with all aspects of your life. There are many principles of daily living that are shared across religions, such as treating all people with dignity and respect, living generously, and helping those less fortunate. This is a perfect time of year to share your faith traditions with others.
The key to successfully putting our values into action is to be mindful of how these core values are interwoven in every aspect of our daily work. Everyone benefits when we each hold ourselves accountable for positive actions and authentically live out our values.
Until next week, keep up the good work, Gusties.
With respect,
Becky