January 31, 2023
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
To those of you returning to campus after the winter break, welcome back! As the spring semester launches, I write to share some reflections from my first semester as president and highlight some upcoming events.
It has been a pleasure getting to know today’s Amherst. Throughout the fall, I was delighted to participate in community events of all types and to meet and be welcomed by community members—students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, Five-College colleagues, and representatives of the Town of Amherst. To all who have talked with me or invited me to attend events, thank you for your generous welcome and engagement. To those I haven’t met yet, I look forward to meeting you in the months to come. With one semester under my belt, I could not be more impressed by the warmth and vibrancy of our community, and by the integrity with which we conceive, and work together to meet, our high aspirations.
Last semester, I had the chance to visit courses, hear from faculty and students about the research they conduct together, and learn first-hand from staff about their work to support our community. Whether I was sitting in a classroom, watching a performance in a recital hall, or talking across a table in Val, I have been consistently impressed by the collective intelligence and good humor of the people who make this place what it is. Amherst College is a place of ambition and intellectual rigor, and we are at our best when our endeavors bring us together to reflect, to share, and even to debate with one another.
Below are some highlights of events on campus this spring. I invite you to mark your calendars and enjoy these opportunities to come together in person. I look forward to seeing you there!
Michael
P.S. Amherst College merchandise is now available at our online store, and can soon be found at the expanded Mammoth Market at Schwemm's and from a mobile pop-up shop/merch trailer that will make an appearance at big events like Homecoming, Commencement, and Family Weekend.