Faculty, Staff and Students,

“Just don’t give up what you’re trying to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” —Ella Fitzgerald

The quote above is from the great Ella Fitzgerald, one of the true superstar singers of the jazz era. She was nicknamed the “First Lady of Song,” and her voice, records and talent transcended class and culture.

I like to think about this quote when I think about our efforts here in CHS. We value diversity, equity and inclusion here as we continue to improve on our sense of belonging for all of our students, faculty and staff. And I, too, believe that where there are efforts based in love and inspiration, we cannot go wrong.

We realize we are not perfect; it is important to say this fact. We accept our mistakes, and we vow to make improvements.

But I also realize that we are making progress, and — just like Ms. Fitzgerald would say — we will not give up what we are trying to do. Grounded in love and inspiration, we will continue to strive for a more inclusive environment for us all.

February is Black History Month. Since 1976, this has been a time for the U.S. and Canada to recognize the contributions of African-Americans and their central role in our history. Similarly, the College of Health Sciences will be honoring some of our own Black alumni and students throughout the month. We want to celebrate their success, but we also want to acknowledge the work that each of us must do to end systemic racism.

We know we must keep this feeling in our hearts every month of the year. To celebrate and forget will do no good at all.

And we also realize that inclusion and diversity is about more than just skin color. Yes, diversity is about how we look. But true diversity is also about where we are from, and our heritage. It is about what we believe and how we worship. It is about our socio-economic status, our gender, our physical abilities and our ideologies. True diversity is about all of the things that make us who we are.

True inclusion, therefore, is the acceptance of all of these things — and the freedom to be proud of them.

I want to take this moment to again reinforce how committed we are to this goal. We are working to identify our shortcomings. We are taking action to continue to promote our ideals in our College. And we are striving to be an example for other colleges across our campus.

Please join me in celebrating these efforts — not just in February, but in all months. For all people.

Because there is love here in CHS. There is inspiration. And I’m certain we can’t go wrong.

Best,

Scott