President's Message October 2021

Happy October, Everyone!

It feels like just yesterday when I was complaining about the summer heat, but highs are now in the 60s and 70s, and rain has finally returned to Oregon. Fall quarter classes just started (yes, a month and a half after semester schools), and for the first time in 18 months, our campus is alive again with students.

At the same time, this fall is not feeling like it used to. After a year and a half of social isolation, it’s been a jolt to be thrust back into working a football game hospitality suite, hosting alumni board members from across the country, and maintaining regular hours back at the office where I have to wear long pants and socks. 

If you can relate to any of my musings, I’m pretty sure we’re not alone in feeling the way we do.

As we strive to go “back to normal” this fall, let’s remember to give ourselves a little grace as well. Your ACSN family is here to support you, too; all you have to do is to ask for help and to “show up ”when you can. Please watch for both scheduled and spontaneous opportunities to connect with fellow ACSN members to learn, to grow, and to lean on one another during these ever-changing and stressful times. Even the most amazing helpers deserve to be helped themselves!

Best wishes for the fall season!

James