M
y, how our world has changed these past few months but you’d be so proud to know how the Butler Team has come together to help all our students, faculty, and staff “Keep Learning@Butler,” “Keep Teaching@Butler,” and “Keep Working@Butler.” In mid-March, when we made the decision to extend spring break an additional week, close our buildings and campuses to the public, move our students off campus and home, move all our classes online, and transition nearly all our employees to work remotely from home, the determination and commitment to make this happen was instantly evident across the college. While these decisions were not made lightly, everyone’s health and safety became the immediate focus. In less than two weeks, more than 750 laptop computers from labs and classrooms across the college were reformatted by our Information Services Team allowing faculty and staff to work remotely from home. More than 100 faculty stepped up to assist and support their colleagues in preparation to teach remotely. Everyone has worked tirelessly to support our students and their success through the end of the semester. Even though our physical doors on campus are closed, our offices and classrooms are certainly open for business, just in a little different way! The spring semester is filled with final performances, national competitions, and championships all mixed in with those final projects and exams. It is the time when we celebrate so many student successes from Commencement to Nurses Pinning, Order of the Purple, and Student Life Awards as well as opportunities to recognize faculty for their commitment to their students. Each of these events highlight why we come to work every day and why you are passionate in your support for Butler and our students as well. In so many ways, these are the times we truly see how students have been personally empowered and inspired and their lives transformed through their time at Butler. It was with sadness and disappointment that all our spring plans changed so quickly, but this pandemic journey is not one that any of us expected or planned. I know in the midst of all this change we reached out to you to join in assisting our students with some sudden and unexpected expenses and you stepped up to help us with donations to the Student Emergency Fund. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for caring so deeply.
We have seen true resilience and innovation as we have adapted in ways never imagined. Our students are helping us all shape the future of higher education. What an adventure as we view these current challenges as new opportunities to grow and plan for the future. We continue to encourage our students, faculty, and staff to stay engaged, stay committed, and let’s take this journey together. Thank you all, for your support and for being part of our Butler Family. Best wishes for your good health,
Kimberly W. Krull, Ph.D.
SPRING 2020 MAGAZINE | 5
