This week for the first time since I started at Illinois (two years ago!) I was able to attend the Mortenson Center Associates showcase and graduation ceremony—what a fantastic cohort of Associates and a chance to learn from them about all they’ve experienced this past month, and how it will influence the opportunities and challenges they are confronting.  It was also an opportunity to see and appreciate how many of you have contributed to the Associates program, either by being a Library buddy or a session leader or in some other way. I want to recognize that effort, with a particular shout-out to Clara, Peggy, and Emily for their painstaking planning, intensive and immersive work, and incredible good work on this program. 

A colleague told me recently that by the time July 4 comes around, he starts to mourn the end of summer. I’m trying to take a more positive spin on things—hopefully July is the month things really start to click as I wipe away the end of semester cobwebs and really dig into summer planning and project work. I hope the same is true for you, but also continue to wish for ALL of you that you are able to make good use of quieter time on campus and in the Library for restorative pause, whatever that means to you.

I will have more to share next month about budget, strategic planning, organizational planning, federal updates, and more. Lots is changing and shifting right now and I and others in the Library administration/leadership are watching closely, and actively participating to the extent it makes sense and we have openings. 

Have a good July!

Claire Stewart
The Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson Dean of Libraries and University Librarian