Happy Friday, Everyone!
Jumping in for Vice President Jack with a hello as we head into the weekend. I know that there’s a lot of anxiety floating around with the rise in COVID-19 cases on campus, especially for us seniors having graduation right around the corner (don’t worry I haven’t come to terms with it yet either).
We currently have 15 students in isolation and 135 in close contact quarantine. There were no new positives in Wednesday’s testing, and we should have results from Thursday and Friday on Monday.
That said, I just wanted to reach out and remind you that you’re not in this alone. It’s completely normal to feel this way, but look how far we’ve come. We breezed through last semester with flying colors, and there’s no reason we can’t do the same this semester! We all chose to be here on campus because we wanted to be a part of this community. With the finish line in sight, let’s lift each other up and end strong. It might not be easy but that didn’t stop us before … how many people doubted us last semester?
Look around — you have thousands of teammates. Hold each other accountable and stay committed to the goal we all share. For all my fellow seniors, picture our 750 caps suspended in the air as we celebrate our time at Colgate just as we started it … together. For everyone else — you’d be making a very special opportunity possible. Thank you in advance for giving your all so that we can celebrate this next chapter!
All the best,
Natalia Valente :)
Class of 2021 President
Take Note
Students, staff, and faculty seeking voluntary antigen testing may sign up to be tested on Tuesday, April 20, or Thursday, April 22. These tests are being offered at no charge and are specifically for anyone who is concerned about exposure, or for those who are planning on departing campus for any reason. Clinics will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at the Hall of Presidents. If your schedule conflicts with the two testing days, please contact Student Health Services to make an appointment.
Today, April 16, at 4 p.m., Progress Period will be hosting “Uncovering Experiences of Racism in Reproductive Health” — a panel striving to begin much-needed destigmatized conversations on structural racism within reproductive health, sexual health, and “women’s” health. It will feature four amazing BIPOC Colgate graduates: Dr. Tahshann Richards ’99, Dr. Yvonne Okoh Onyike ’99, Uchechi Roxo ’00, and Stephanie Mariapen ’14. Register to attend.
The Colgate University Libraries have returned to their regular, expanded hours during modified Gate 1. For a full list of hours, visit the website. Please note that there is no food or drink allowed in indoor study spaces, including the Coop conference room, the Flex room, and the Edge.
Many members of the Colgate community have been able to register with the county to receive a vaccine at SUNY Morrisville, only a 15-minute drive from campus. Colgate is providing students with free shuttle service to the site between noon and 6:30 p.m. for the duration of the clinic. Sign up for transport to Morrisville, especially if you have already received your first dose and know the date of your second dose.
The Summer Reading Selection Committee invites you to have the final say in selecting one of five titles to serve as Colgate’s text for 2021. Please make your rank order selection before Tuesday, April 20, at 5 p.m. Check your email for links to book reviews, author interviews, and paragraphs that will familiarize you with each of the finalists.
Relph Benefit Advisors, Colgate University’s employee benefit consultant, will be presenting Medicare 101 on April 20, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The presentation will include general information such as enrollment deadlines, coverage choices, and coordination of benefits. You may wish to attend the session if you are planning to retire in the next year, you are turning age 65, or you are helping a loved one as they retire. If applicable, your spouse or domestic partner may attend as well. To attend please complete the Google doc. Those who sign up to attend will receive an invite with a Zoom link.
A Closing Thought
Colgate would like to wish Ramadan Mubarak (Blessed Ramadan) to Muslim students, staff, and faculty. During this month, when worshippers focus their minds and bodies on spirituality rather than on earthly needs and indulgences, Muslims worldwide abstain from eating, drinking, and some other activities throughout the day, fasting from the first prayer at dawn until the fourth prayer at sunset.
The Muslim Student Association and the Office of the Chaplains have worked with Chartwells to assure halal Iftar and Suhur options for all the Muslims on campus. There will be a halal meat option every day, and if first-years and sophomores want to pick up a Suhur package, they may fill out this form. Juniors and seniors should get in touch with the Chaplains Office to learn more about their options.
Upcoming Events
A Conversation with Benjamin Crump
April 16
6 p.m.
Featuring Alicia Simmons, associate professor of sociology and Africana and Latin American studies. Introduced by Kate Maloney ’21. Benjamin Crump is a nationally recognized trial lawyer and leader of the George Floyd family’s legal team. You may submit questions in advance here.
Virtual Drag Bingo
April 16
8 p.m.
Join local CNY drag queens Samantha Vega and DeeDee Dubois for a night of bingo and virtual performances. Individual game winners will recieve tokens for local businesses. The grand prize winner will recieve a pair of AirPods.
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