It’s summer, and a quieter pace has settled over our college campus, allowing me the time to pause and reflect on the journey we’ve shared over the past year.

As I reflected, I found myself grateful not only for what we accomplished but also for what we learned together. The Office of Empowerment has had the privilege over the past year of creating opportunities for members of our college community to connect, learn, celebrate, and grow. Through Love Tables, Equity Talks, trainings, workshops, mentoring programs, A Taste of Culture, and other cultural celebrations, we have continued to build spaces where people can feel seen, valued, respected, and supported.

Our programs, events, and initiatives provided the foundation for some very meaningful moments and inspired connections. These include stories shared by students and employees, the common ground that sparked conversations and formed friendships, and the opportunities for learning and discovery during cultural celebrations. These moments were also evident in the courage and respect demonstrated by individuals willing to listen to experiences different from their own, and through relationships strengthened by a shared commitment to learning, understanding, and community.

Internally, like many teams, we experienced change as we welcomed new colleagues, said goodbye to others, adapted to shifting priorities, and grew through challenges and transitions. These experiences continue to remind us that culture is multifaceted. It is reflected not only in the identities, traditions, experiences, and perspectives that each of us brings to our college community, but also in the values, behaviors, and relationships that shape how we work together. Culture is not something that happens to us; it is something we both bring with us and shape every day.

This year also reinforced something I have come to strongly believe: belonging is not built through programming alone. While events and initiatives are important, we create a sense of belonging in others through our everyday interactions. It is shown in how we greet one another, how we listen, how we show respect, and how we demonstrate to others that they matter.

Over the past year, our team has continued to learn that the values we hope to encourage across the college must first be reflected in our relationships with one another. The way we work together internally shapes our ability to serve and support others externally. We have continued to learn that belonging is strengthened when people feel valued for the unique cultures, identities, experiences, perspectives, gifts, and contributions they bring to the community. We have also learned that supporting one another means creating opportunities for people to contribute their gifts, expertise, and the work they were uniquely hired and prepared to do. Further, while we recognize that good intentions matter, belonging is ultimately experienced through our actions. It grows when we choose curiosity over assumptions, empathy over judgment, and connection over division. In this way, we create space for people to contribute, grow, and make a meaningful difference, helping us to better serve one another and our communities. As I reflect on the year, I am filled with gratitude for every student, employee, and community member who has been part of this journey. Every conversation, every opportunity we’ve had to learn from one another, and every person who chose understanding over misunderstanding has enriched our community. Since belonging is not a destination, but a way of life, there will always be opportunities to learn, grow, and support a sense of community. I am encouraged that we are in this work together and look forward to what we will continue to build in the year ahead.

Thank you for being part of the journey.