Dear members and friends of the University Honors & Scholars Program,
I want to extend a warm welcome to our community of learners. Although the new academic year is only a few days old, already life is buzzing. We have held our first classes; the bookstore lines have bulged, and we've had cookies and lemonade in our "welcome Back" receptions.
One of my favorite beginning-of-the-year rituals is when the students who live in our residence halls spend an evening custom-painting bricks to use to hold open their doors. As I milled around groups of students splashing all arrays of colors on their bricks, I was struck by the meaning behind this seemingly trivial exercise. Each brick decoration was unique, representing the student's individual character, emotions or values. Yet everyone was participating in the same exercise, and once these bricks begin to be used, they represent our program's focus on community. We know that we learn and grow more when we have the opportunity to interact with others. The "open door" custom within our residence halls signifies our dedication to community and interaction.
I wish all of you a fulfilling fall semester with many rich interactions with others.
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