I also hope you had some time for rest and reflection during the break. Springtime is just around the corner, albeit winter surely seems to be hanging on.
We’ve chosen “The Agitators” by Dorothy Wickenden as our community read this spring. “The Agitators” tells the captivating story of America before, during, and after the Civil War through the eyes of Harriet Tubman, Martha Coffin Wright, and Frances A. Seward — three brave and heroic friends who advocated, championed, and fought for abolitionism and women’s rights in Auburn, New York. We’re hoping that this book will not only inform our community about the history of our region but also inspire a new generation of activism to flourish in the Finger Lakes. Dorothy Wickenden is an award-winning author, accomplished journalist, a graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and a former executive editor of The New Yorker. She will be on-campus for a public talk and book signing on April 17 at 6 p.m. in Phipps Auditorium, and the event will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. Her book is an exceptional read, and I would truly appreciate it if you could consider joining us in welcoming her.
You might have also heard the news that Wells was one of the 13 recipients of a grant from The Endeavor Foundation. The first phase of their multi-year project is well-underway, and it will seek to respond to urgent needs of mental health, well-being, and wellness throughout student learning and on college campuses like ours across the country. This funding will directly help us continue to address and offer more mental health services that are crucial here at Wells for our current and prospective students. We are honored to collaborate with the Endeavor Foundation toward this vision to support the next generation of Wells students. We will have more news to share on this in the coming months, and you can read more about this in the official press release.
March is Women’s History Month, and Wells is recognizing this with events on-campus that honor women and their contributions to society in American culture. During this time of year, we are reminded of the many strong and powerful women who influence the world around us in exceptional ways. March is also the beginning of many religious holidays, such as Ramadan, Easter, Holi, and Purim, celebrated around the world and here in our community. I hope you take the time to reflect on the observance of Women’s History Month, and if you are celebrating any of these holidays this month, I encourage you to cherish those moments and spend them with those you love most.
And finally, I hope you’re excited about the approaching solar eclipse that will take place on April 8. Thirteen states in the U.S. will be in the path of the eclipse, and the last time Central New York experienced a solar eclipse was nearly 100 years ago in 1925. It will likely be another 40 years or more before North America sees another one. A wonderful series of free, eclipse-themed activities are being planned for that day for those who would like to experience the eclipse on our campus. You can find a full schedule for Solar Day on the event calendar of our website. This may truly be a once in a lifetime opportunity, so if you are in the eclipse’s path or have travel plans to see it, I hope you can obtain a safe pair of solar viewing glasses and enjoy the phenomenon.
Thank you so much for your support. I look forward to sharing more inspiring news as the semester continues.
