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Dear students,

As the crisp November air settles in and the fall semester progresses, this is a wonderful time to pause, reflect, and express gratitude. The season reminds us of the power of community, collaboration, and our shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in schools and communities everywhere.

Serving as the Warner School’s interim dean for nearly a year and a half has been one of my greatest honors. In that time, I have witnessed the incredible dedication, resilience, and passion that each of you brings to your studies, research, and professional pursuits. Your efforts inspire not only me but also the faculty, staff, and broader community who are fortunate to work alongside you.

This semester has been filled with achievements and opportunities that will propel the Warner School into the new year with strength and purpose. We are deeply grateful for the partnerships—both longstanding and newly emerging—that have enriched our work and expanded our reach. Highlights include our new partnership empowering teacher-leaders in semiconductors and microelectronics, our collaboration with the School of Nursing to strengthen youth mental healthcare, and the URochester-East EPO partnership, which recently celebrated a decade of success. These collaborations foster innovation and create lasting impact in education.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the donors whose generosity continues to advance our mission. A recent gift from Mary Ellen Burris '68W, made during the Forever Better: The Campaign for the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ, will establish a new endowed professorship dedicated to supporting early-career faculty. Contributions like this help us provide the resources, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵs, and initiatives that empower our students and faculty to thrive.

As we look ahead to the new year, I am filled with optimism and excitement for what’s to come. Together, we will continue to build on the strong foundation of excellence and innovation that defines the Warner School.

Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Your hard work, creativity, and commitment make all the difference. As the holiday season approaches, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments, consider the path ahead, and celebrate the impact you are making to transform lives, communities, and society for the better.

Wishing you a season filled with gratitude, growth, and inspiration.

Meliora,

Melissa Sturge-Apple, PhD
Interim Dean, Warner School of Education & Human Development