Posted April 1 - I spoke with my father this week about what is happening at Manchester and in the world during this coronavirus outbreak. He’s a retired physician, 88 years old and lives at Timbercrest, a local retirement community. We talked some about the challenges Manchester is facing – moving teaching online, asking students to stay away from campus as much as possible – and after listening patiently, he reminded me to keep my eye on the big picture.

“David,” he said, “remember what you always say to others – that the world needs more Manchester graduates.” The world needs more Manchester graduates. “Especially at a time like this, the world needs people with the skills and values that come with a Manchester education,” he said.

Our mission statement reminds us that, at the end of the day, our reason for being here is to prepare graduates who improve the human condition. Thanks, Dad, for the words of wisdom.