Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Commencement always marks a powerful close to the academic year, and this year’s ceremony was no exception. Thank you to all who worked so hard to make the weekend possible. It was a joyful reminder of the extraordinary work happening across our school every day to educate and inspire the next generation of public health leaders. A recap and photos from the weekend can be viewed here. 

As we wrap up this academic year, I want to offer my deepest thanks to each of you. This year has been marked by extraordinary uncertainty and an attack by the federal government on the long-standing covenant between our government and research universities to generate research that benefits the American people.

In such a time, it is easy to hunker down, go into our shells and hope that the time passes. But that is not how you have responded. Across the school, you’ve continued to push forward. You’ve conducted ground-breaking research, delivered innovative teaching, supported students and faculty, advanced day-to-day school operations and engaged in research translation work that has made a real difference in public health. Together, we launched new initiatives and centers, welcomed outstanding new faculty and fellows, elevated our national presence in critical conversations and deepened our commitment to improving the health of all people. 

Moments like this call for courage – and you have shown that courage of conviction to do important work that makes a difference in people’s lives. And for that, I am grateful to all of you and proud to be a member of this community.

I hope many of you will take advantage of Brown’s Summer Hours, which begin today, May 28, and continue through Friday, August 8, 2025. Standard hours during this period shift to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, based on operational needs. I hope this added flexibility supports a healthy work-life balance over the summer months. 

Please also note that Friday, August 8 will be observed as Employee Appreciation Day. More information can be found here.

Thank you again for a remarkable year. I encourage you to take time to rest, recharge and reflect on all we’ve accomplished together.

Sincerely,