St. Cloud State University welcomed faculty and staff back for the start of spring semester on Jan. 4 following the holiday break with a convocation address that reflected on the ways the University continues to meet the challenges presented by COVID-19 and the collective commitment to the It’s Time framework.
In his welcome address, which was made virtually, Provost Dan Gregory welcomed students, faculty and staff back to campus while thanking them for their dedication to St. Cloud State. Gregory went on to talk about the challenges of the past while now looking forward to putting together a positive and bright year ahead, as well as discussing the commitment to the It’s Time strategy and initiatives already in place.
“I will continue to point out and recognize the greatness within you and this institution,” Gregory stated. “I will continue to do these things all while remaining focused, diligent, thoughtful and deliberate when working through all the challenges that lay before us, knowing that deep in my being that this University, all of us, has what it takes to reclaim our goal as leaders in higher education.
“I am deeply humbled by the trust and support you have given me and I am honored to continue to serve as your Provost for another semester.”
Gregory concluded his address by thanking President Robbyn Wacker for her display of leadership and commitment to St. Cloud State.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to you, President Wacker,” Gregory said. “Your continued leadership and unwavering support of SCSU, our students and our employees has been amazing. You have been an inspiration to me and this institution and I thank you for all you do for us.”
President Wacker opened her address by welcoming faculty and staff back for the start of another semester and wishing everyone a happy new year following winter break. Wacker reflected on the past year, including the continued impact COVID-19 has had on the University and how St. Cloud State is dealing with those challenges.
She also recognized the many accomplishments achieved throughout campus to celebrate, including achievements in Huskies Athletics, St. Cloud State being name a 2021-22 College of Distinction and other successes accomplished by faculty, staff and students throughout campus to celebrate.
“2022 will bring challenges, of course. But as we approach this upcoming semester and the couple of years, there is reason for hope and optimism,” Wacker said. “You’ve seen just a little bit of what you were able to accomplish in this last year, and it’s remarkable.
“We can be in both places where we recognize there are challenges and also have hope for the future and know that we have a path forward. The path forward that many universities don’t have, and we are fortunate that you have helped create this path forward with the It’s Time work.”
Wacker also discussed the continued dedication to the It’s Time strategy, provided an update for the University’s Unleash the Future Campaign and concluded by taking time to thank faculty and staff for their commitment to the St. Cloud State.
“I want to end by saying thank you. I am grateful to each and every one of you for what you do to advocate for this University, to support the It’s Time work and certainly our students and each other,” Wacker said. “I couldn’t be more proud to be President of this University because of the people that work here, the students that we have and the commitment that we have to this University. I am honored to be your President.”
