Student Development Message: 'Walking with You in Spirit'

Dear SLU Companions, 

As we close out our first month of remote learning, and I close out my second week of working from home, I feel compelled to check in with you. 

We are living history together, from a distance, and I feel the gravity of that. I sit with it every day as I participate in Zoom meetings and help make decisions that impact some, many, or all of you. 

You have heard President Pestello, interim Provost Gillis and me all talk about how challenging some of these decisions can feel. I want you to know that your student leadership is representing you well in every discussion I have been part of, and I personally owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to SGA President Maleah Fallahi, SGA President-Elect Joseph Reznikov, and many others, for their honest feedback and guidance--always, and particularly now. 

I suppose that’s what this email is about today: That we are all walking through this challenging situation together – even when it may not feel like it. I want you to know you can grab my hand, virtually, anytime you need a lift. And I speak for all of our Student Development leadership team when I say that. 

And speaking of walking together -- spring is when you usually show up to walk for SLU’s Relay for Life. Although we can’t walk together in person this year, our student organizers are committed to continuing the good work through a virtual relay. Learn more, and help them meet their fundraising goal, here. Even across distance, even in difficult times, SLU students are dedicated to being persons for others. 

All of us who choose to work at SLU do it because we are inspired by watching you change the world and passionate about seeing you succeed. As you register for fall classes or put the finishing touches on your SLU degree, think of this as a reminder: you have a family here eager and willing to help you succeed. Remember, too, that there’s a list of support services and resources available here, on our COVID-19 website. 

Walking with you in spirit,

Debie 

Debra Rudder Lohe, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Interim Vice President for Student Development