A Thanksgiving Message from President Dudley

To: W&L Faculty and Staff
From: President Will Dudley
Date: November 19, 2021

Good morning.  As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to thank you — our faculty and staff — for everything you have done to make this a successful Fall Term.

The difference between last year and this one is remarkable.  It is wonderful to be back in the classroom and to host concerts, lectures, sporting events, and reunions on our campus.  But I'm mindful of the tremendous effort it has taken from all of you.  The pandemic has been long and difficult, and we have had to reinvent much of what we do.  You have worked long hours and foregone vacations to deliver the best possible experience for our students.

I am deeply grateful for your hard work over the past twenty months, and for the dedication you've shown to W&L during unprecedented times.  Thank you.

In recognition of your collective efforts and the shared need for true rest and relaxation, this year the university will close for three additional days during winter break, to allow employees a full two-week vacation from December 20-31.  Essential employees whose work needs to be performed during this period will receive holiday pay.  While these additional days don't impact all employees in the same way, I hope everyone in our community will enjoy some well-deserved time off.

When we return from the Thanksgiving break, we will have a number of occasions to celebrate the holiday season, including the Winter Wonderland dessert extravaganza in Evans Hall on Dec. 7, the Holiday Open House at Lee House on Dec. 13, and the University Brunch on Dec. 17.  I look forward to seeing you at these events and to thanking you in person for a job well done.