Dear colleagues,
I hope you all are well and finding time to unwind during the summer months. The upcoming Juneteenth Holiday this coming Monday presents a valuable opportunity for our community to engage in reflection, drawing upon Rice's core values of respect, integrity, community, and excellence. By embracing these principles, we can channel our collective efforts into fostering a more inclusive team and focus on serving others.
As we prepare for the upcoming academic year, it’s important to note that summer on our campus is a season of activity and progress. Throughout the summer, our campus will be bustling with activity as several capital and maintenance projects are in the pipeline to enhance our infrastructure and create a better campus environment. I would like to express appreciation and gratitude to the teams who are tirelessly working on the projects that support our university. Their unwavering commitment and hard work contribute significantly to the growth and success of our institution. These projects, along with our strategic initiatives, will be in full swing throughout the season.
While it's crucial to continue making progress on our goals, it’s equally as important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. To that end, I encourage you to prioritize taking time away from work to unplug and recharge through Rice’s Paid Time Off (PTO). Also, if you find that summer allows for greater flexibility in your work arrangements, I encourage you to work with your supervisor to update your work arrangements accordingly. By prioritizing well-being, we can create a work environment that fosters a culture of care.
On a personal note, I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the recent retirement celebration of our esteemed colleague, Mark Ditman. His retirement party was a testament to the impact he has made during his incredible career. It was heartwarming to see so many of you from across campus come together to celebrate his achievements. We wish Mark all the best in this new chapter.
Lastly, a special event has been planned for the F&A community. Please join us on the side of Allen Center near the COB for a staff appreciation event on Wednesday, July 12, from 1:00 until 3:00 pm. This event is a small way to celebrate our division’s hard work by cooling off with a sweet treat. I look forward to seeing you there!
As always, thank you all for your continued commitment to the work of our university.
All my best to you,
Kelly Fox, Vice President of Finance and Administration