“Today a new sun rises for me; everything is animated, everything seems to speak to me of my passion, everything invites me to cherish it.” - Anne De Lenclos

This is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The weather is nearly perfect. The summer heat is a hint but not a reality and we live with no immediate concern of hurricane season. On campus, students are content to study under trees, laying on lawns or sitting in our Adirondack chairs. There is an occasional sound of a lawn mower and the physical plant continuing to beautify our campus.

April is a hugely busy time at Loyola. I have this theory that September and April are the two cornerstones of the academic year. In September we launch…classes, programs, seminars, field trips, study abroad, events, athletic contests, art shows, theater productions, music recitals and it goes on and on. It is a robust calendar demonstrating our excitement about the start of a new year. In similar fashion, April is the month equally full…and we can’t possibly let students leave the university without one more concert, one last student awards convocation, one last lecture. Both months represent an immense commitment to making sure that students have their fill of the wonderful world called the academy.

This morning the sun is high, the azaleas are in bloom. The day is full of promise. At noon our athletic department hosts the annual golf tournament fundraiser at Audubon Park; the French Quarter fest is in full swing; clubs and organizations are throwing a crawfish bash and by Sundayall attention will be on studying for finals.

As for me, I am grateful this morning for the privilege working at a university brings; I can’t wait for the joy of May graduation.