 Greetings from our Holy Oak where I find myself reflecting on what virtual convocation represents, on this tradition in this most challenging moment, on how we will together build spirit and community in these times, on what it means and what it will take to be closer apart. We have begun this new year with a new anti-racist action plan that can only be fully actualized if we challenge ourselves to have radical empathy and compassion for one another during these twin pandemics. Mount Holyoke is your community. Continue to shape it. Build the future you want. Challenge yourselves to stretch your perspectives, knowledge and impact. Mount Holyoke has always been uncommon. This year will be no different. We are here to learn together, not just about the disciplines, but to learn so that we may better serve. What a beautiful education to be a part of. I hope you're as excited to take this journey with Mount Holyoke College as we are with you. And if there's one thing that I believe in with all my heart, it is the importance of building community connection because it is not only what happens in the classroom, but it is what happens when we are a part of something larger than ourselves, strong and meaningful traditions and with deep roots. While we may be spread out across the globe, time zones, countries, continents and circumstances, the Mount Holyoke community continues on through the connections that you have made and you have yet to make. This is a scary and challenging time and we have a very long journey ahead. However, I know that we will all embody the Mount Holyoke spirit of resilience and perseverance. And so, Mount Holyoke, let's create new ways of being members of the same community. Welcome to a new academic year, Mount Holyoke. Make it your own.