Monthly Newsletter-May | College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

Dear Colleagues,

“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” — T.S. Eliot

With all we have on our collective plates - finals, grading, defenses, and more - I'm trying to take time to slow down and absorb what this time of year represents for our students, their families, and all of us at the College. As Commencement approaches, we should pause to honor this moment of transition for our students, as well as for all of us who have helped guide them to this moment in their academic careers. Each cap and gown represents a journey shaped by your commitment, excitement about your fields, and belief in our students' potential.

As always, thanks for all you do.

Best,

Indrajeet Chaubey
Dean and Director

Stacey Stearns has been awarded the final Hallmark Husky for the school year for her exceptional leadership during National Ag Week. In addition to coordinating Extension's presence at Ag Day at the Capitol, she led a new communications campaign celebrating CT agriculture, collaborated with CAHNR Communications and CT Department of Ag, and launched a video project highlighting innovation at Meechooôk Farm. Stacey's commitment and dedication greatly enhanced UConn's visibility and impact.

Thank you Stacey for your outstanding work and commitment to UConn Extension and CAHNR.

Visit the Faculty & Staff Resource page to nominate a colleague for Hallmark Husky.

We invite you to participate in a few upcoming opportunities to shape the CAHNR Strategic Priorities.

Words to Action. An End of Semester CAHNR Strategic Vision Reconnection Event.
In-person event on the Storrs campus, May 15 from 12-2:30 PM in WB Young 132

Words matter. They define our principles, values, and vision. They tell the story of who we are, what we stand for, and lay out our vision for the future. This event will provide a space for CAHNR faculty, staff, and administrators to come together to mark the end of a challenging semester. We’ll eat together, share ideas, and discuss the new and changing challenges we face in research, teaching, and outreach. We’ll also consider how words matter in these challenging times and reflect on the priorities and direction of the College’s Strategic Vision. If you’ve been feeling powerless in today’s rapidly changing world, this is an event for you. Help chart a path forward to put words into action.

This event is sponsored by the DEIJ SVIC and will be co-hosted by the HartBeat Ensemble and the Office for Diversity and Inclusion. Lunch will be provided, please RSVP by May 12 so we can get a head count and plan for lunch. Name not required for registration.

Feedback on Strategic Priorities
A 5-minute survey for CAHNR students, staff, faculty, and administrators
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Strategic Vision Implementation Committee (SVIC) is looking for feedback from all members of the college regarding DEIJ-centered priority areas and how they may be integrated within each of the four other SVICs. We value your feedback, whether you are a member of a SVIC or not. Please fill out a short survey to provide feedback to share ideas or concerns as a basis for planning DEIJ events in the Fall. All responses are anonymous.

Please direct questions to Cary Chadwick and Shery Gray