Dear students, faculty, and staff,

Spring has finally arrived in Iowa, and that means the end of the semester is at hand. I feel a great sense of pride and gratitude as I complete my first full academic year at the University of Iowa. You have shown me what an amazing institution we have—how much we care about our students’ education; how innovative and transformative we are in our research, scholarship, and creative work; and how dedicated we are to providing life-changing health care and public service to patients, community members, and citizens across the state and nation. 

As the spring semester closes, I encourage everyone to appreciate your accomplishments this year, whether it’s a successful class taught, a grant earned, an honor won, a research or creative project completed, or a job well done in your day-to-day work. Perhaps you reached out to someone who needed a friend or you successfully navigated a tricky conversation that required listening skills. Thank you for being a helpful and empathic Hawkeye!

We will soon be celebrating the graduation of thousands of our students at our commencement ceremonies, and congratulations are certainly in order for them too. 

Finally, I urge everyone to take some important “me-time” this summer. Despite all we’ve accomplished, it has been a stressful year for everyone because of the lingering effects of COVID-19. Summer is a time when the pace of work may be a bit slower or more flexible, so please take advantage of that by spending time with friends and family, by enjoying your favorite warm-weather leisure activities, and by taking that vacation you’ve been promising yourself. You need it for your well-being, and we want you to be healthy and refreshed for the year ahead.

Thank you again for a fantastic year, thank you for all you do, and I look forward to our work together in the coming year. Have a great summer!

Warmly,

Barbara J. Wilson
President