Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education Board of Governors Chairwoman Cynthia D. Shapira and Chancellor Frank T. Brogan sent a message to students, faculty, staff and friends of the State System and its 14 member universities. The message also will be distributed via various social media.
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, and Friends:
A college campus is a remarkable place-a place of discovery, where people of every background come together to learn more about the world and about each other. This past week, we had the opportunity to learn that when people of good will find themselves on opposite sides of an issue, we have the ability to remain civil and treat each other with respect.
We want to thank the students who showed remarkable poise and patience during those challenging three days. We witnessed scenes of students studying together to stay on-track and working together to ensure a positive attitude. To the students, let us say ‘thank you.’ You made all of us very proud.
To everyone on the campuses, we are so grateful for your contributions as we pull together to ensure a smooth transition back to normal operations. The number one goal is to help our students finish the semester strong. And to our faculty-who are the heart and soul of our institutions-you are vitally important to achieving this goal.
There was a common thread to the many communications that we received over the past few weeks. So many people-on both sides of the issue-shared personal stories of how they, their parents, and even their grandparents were forever changed by the time they spent at one of our 14 universities. Those stories bind us together.
As we look to the days and months ahead, let us remember that the State System and our universities are stronger when we stand together. Let us harness the intellect, the will, and the energy of all who know how powerfully important higher education can be, and-together-work toward a solid future for the State System.
