Happy New Year! I hope that you had a thoroughly enjoyable holiday, filled with love, laughter, and lots of good cheer. The start of a new year is always an exciting opportunity for a fresh beginning, new thinking, and a world of possibilities about the year ahead. In addition to the start of a new calendar year, we also celebrate the start of a new decade.
Think back to what was happening in our lives and in the world in 2010:
- A devastating earthquake hit Haiti, causing major destruction and loss of life
- Apple introduced the iPad
- Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy
- The Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico exploded, spilling millions of gallons of oil into the sea
- Instagram was founded
- The United States economy was showing signs of recovery from the Great Recession of 2008
- The smartphone was becoming the norm for handheld technology
- Netflix introduced its online streaming service.
Gustavus has seen tremendous changes over the last decade as well. I plan to use our Mondays in January as a chance to look back a decade and then think about what we might anticipate over the next 10 years for higher education and for our institution.
In the meantime, rest assured that amidst all the changes that we have seen in the last decade and all of those that are sure to come as we move forward together, Gustavus is equipping students to take on the great challenges of our time. We do this through our innovative and interdisciplinary approach to the liberal arts, which prepares students for more than just a particular job. Our graduates leave campus ready to think critically, to analyze information, to consider issues from multiple perspectives, and to act compassionately to make a difference. No matter what technologies emerge or what world events take place in the 2020s and beyond, we will remain true to our mission.
Now we turn to the January Interim Experience, where students take part in hands-on and in-depth learning here on the hill and across the globe. Let’s be sure to welcome our students back to campus and wish them success in the year ahead.
Until next week, keep up the good work, Gusties!
With respect,
Becky