On May 25, the College of Arts and Sciences graduated 1,670 students, each marking a milestone in their academic journey. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our newest grads on this remarkable achievement.

As interim dean this past academic year, it has been my privilege to lead this esteemed college, in partnership with a team of dedicated individuals who share a deep commitment to the success of our students. Our associate deans, directors, chairs, faculty and staff exemplify the very best of higher education. Their expertise and compassion serve as an inspiration, and I thank each one for their sustained contributions to our community.

Our college boasts an impressive array of achievements across the arts, humanities, natural and social sciences, each with the capacity to educate, empower and connect global communities in profound ways. Through these disciplines, our students learn how to build cultural understanding, express themselves creatively, consider complex global issues, curiously and critically explore the world and bring us from our present to our promising future.

I want to take a moment to reflect on a few examples of how the College of Arts and Sciences continued to enrich and advance society this past academic year:

• We hosted prominent guest speakers on campus to share their inspirational stories: Leila Fadel from NPR offered students advice on the current media climate on World Press Freedom Day; Yusef Salaam, one of the Central Park “exonerated five,” advocated for reform of the criminal justice system; Japanese Consul General Mikio Mori discussed how international partnerships are more important than ever; and NASA science chief Nicky Fox encouraged a passionate pursuit of the joy of science.
• In October, we celebrated National Arts and Humanities Month with 30+ events and performances that showcased the impact of arts and humanities on our lives
• UD and our Department of Africana Studies became home to the National Council of Black Studies, the country’s premiere organization for Black studies.
•  The Department of Physics and Astronomy’s CubeSat project, supported by undergraduates, was selected for a future NASA mission.

Notable faculty achievements this year included: Velia Fowler being named a Lifetime Fellow of the American Society of Cell Biologists; Joseph Fox receiving the University’s top faculty award, the Francis Alison Award; and Jon Cox receiving a Fulbright Fellowship for his photographic series on Ukrainian refugees.

In the upcoming year, CAS students will have even more opportunities to expand their understanding of the world, whether it is by pursuing a new bachelor of arts in theatre, acquiring a certificate in ethics in philosophy or many more new offerings across the College.

To all our alumni, remember that you are Blue Hens Forever.

Debbie Hess Norris

Interim Dean College of Arts and Sciences