Better days, exciting times ahead

As we prepare to close the book on an academic year that was anything but typical, we do so with an increased feeling of hope and growing confidence that a return to normal — even a slightly modified version of normal — is imminent.

Over the past year, we, as a university, have continued to find ways to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. At this time last year, our faculty, staff and students were working together to manufacture much-needed personal protection equipment (PPE) and other tools…we look forward to multiple homecomings, starting with the return of our full student body to campus and, later, with our alumni as we host an in-person homecoming celebration once again.

for our frontline healthcare workers. Our community continues to work toward solutions for the pandemic, although today it’s in the form of staffing our on-campus vaccine clinic and working with local health departments to develop specialized carriers to keep those much sought-after vaccinations safe.

Last year, we celebrated commencement in a fully-virtual format. This year, we feel fortunate to be able to celebrate our graduates with in-person ceremonies. Though limited in terms of attendance, our graduates will have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements with their peers.

As I look ahead to the coming months, we have much to anticipate. On July 1, we will welcome fellow engineer Eric Kaler as he takes on the role of president of Case Western Reserve University. In the fall, we look forward to multiple homecomings, starting with the return of our full student body to campus and, later, with our alumni as we host an in-person homecoming celebration once again.

The past year has tested us in ways we could have never imagined. We have lost, we have learned and, hopefully, we have gained a new appreciation for the simple things in life we may have previously taken for granted. I remain grateful for the immense strength and perseverance I have seen from our alumni, students, faculty and staff — but also look ahead to the coming months with a great sense of relief and hope for better days to come.

Thank you for your continued support of the Case School of Engineering. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.