Message of gratitude and encouragement
November 18, 2020
To the Webster University Community,
As we approach a season of holidays in these final weeks of the year, we wish to express
our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our students, faculty and staff for the
spirit with which you have faced these extremely difficult conditions during the past
nine months.
Despite a worldwide pandemic, Webster University has reported far fewer cases of COVID-19
than many of our peer institutions, and we were able to achieve that remarkable outcome
while still holding classes and offering essential services every day. Because of
your hard work and dedication, Webster's mission endures. When much was demanded of
us, we persisted. It was all accomplished because of your efforts.
In the United States, we will celebrate Thanksgiving, which will give us four days
off. This rest is well-deserved as we eliminated the Fall Break this year due to COVID-19
concerns and therefore have been working non-stop since August. During this break,
we remind everyone to follow the University’s COVID-19 protocols on campus and remember to continue to follow the basic rules of keeping socially
distanced, wearing masks and frequently washing hands while off campus. Recommendations
on how to host safe family gatherings or to travel during the holidays with minimal
risk to yourself or your family are contained in the CDC guidelines for Thanksgiving.
In the coming weeks, we anticipate the occasions to honor our colleagues and students
around the world. We know that we are at our best when we celebrate each other, and
through our words and actions, show our concern for each other.
That is why we unequivocally state that we are grateful for all of you. Please stay
healthy and safe as you travel and visit others during this special season. We hope
that you each have a productive end of the Fall term and a wonderful holiday.
Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble
Chancellor
Julian Z. Schuster
President