It is hard to believe that the month of June is already upon us. It seems like only yesterday that we were deep in debates about masking, social distancing and the ideal interval between booster shots. How times have changed.
I want to begin by congratulating our 2022 graduates. It was a great joy to celebrate your accomplishments in-person, on campus, with your family and friends. As the graduates of McGill’s Bicentennial milestone, you have a very special place in our history, and we look forward to seeing what amazing things you’ll do next.
The past year presented us with new and ongoing challenges but also offered many more reasons to be proud. With a gradual return to campus, we adapted and thrived in novel ways while drawing upon the wisdom gained over the last two years. Circumstances did not hold back our faculty and students from shining; we excelled in countless ways by engaging in meaningful research and collaborations, and by making lasting connections and friendships.
As I complete my time as interim Dean of the Faculty of Arts this month, I want to thank the many faculty, staff and students for their support, kindness, and laughter. A special ‘thank you’ to the Associate Deans – Manuel Balán, Michael Fronda, José Jouve-Martin, Tabitha Sparks, and David Wright – who took on, or remained in, leadership positions during such a challenging time. Chairs and directors, as well as student association leaders, also deserve applause for their service.
It has been an honour to serve in this role, and a pleasure to encourage and promote our diverse and dynamic Faculty.
As our Faculty begins a new chapter -- with David Wright assuming the position of Interim Dean from July 1 until our new Dean, Lisa Shapiro, begins on October 1 --, I want to wish you all a restful and fulfilling summer.
Mary Hunter