Welcome to the Spring Semester

Welcome to the spring semester—and to the first week of Black History Month!

This year’s Black History Month theme is “African Americans and Labor,” and I am pleased that Saint Mary’s is joining the country in honoring the extraordinary contributions of Black Americans to our nation’s history, culture, and progress. To learn more about specific events and opportunities to join in the celebration of Black History Month and our 44 Days of events, please visit SMC's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion website and refer to its calendar of events.

I also encourage everyone to read the excellent story now posted to SMC’s Newscenter, which introduces readers to some members of the Gael family—students, scholars, and difference-makers—who have played critical roles in shaping the Saint Mary’s story.

I hope those of you who took part in Jan Term had a great experience. And for everyone else around campus, I hope you’re ready to start the spring semester refreshed and energized! 

As for me, I am excited for what’s ahead—and eager to celebrate with the Class of 2025 this May at Commencement. My upcoming video message of the month will touch on many events and activities we all have to look forward to in the weeks and months ahead.

Leaning into our Lasallian Core Principles

As we begin the new semester, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to Saint Mary’s Lasallian Core Principles and Traditions. In particular, it is important to emphasize our dedication to an inclusive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and our concern for the poor and social justice matters. We believe in the dignity of all persons and hold steadfast to our faith in the presence of God.

Here at Saint Mary’s, we lean on those Lasallian Catholic Principles, both in our daily lives and also in times of uncertainty. Our Lasallian and Catholic heritage and our Liberal Arts tradition have served as foundational guideposts at Saint Mary’s for more than 160 years and are as relevant and meaningful as ever.

Part of our Lasallian Catholic tradition is to foster sensitivity to social and ethical concerns, and to defend the goodness, dignity, and freedom of all individuals. To this end, we remain unwavering in our support of students, faculty, and staff members from diverse backgrounds, and we will continue to stand in solidarity with all members of our community.

Resources and guidance

There are many local organizations—including several groups on the Saint Mary’s campus—that offer helpful resources to those who may need them. 

Resources and information related to DACA and Dreamers, for example, can be found on the Financial Aid Office’s website and the Institute for Latino and Latin American Studies (ILaLS) website. Other campus organizations continue to support our students and local communities, too, and Student Life and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion serve as excellent resources for our students. We are grateful for the important work all of these organizations do.

We know that our fellow Gaels, the De La Salle Christian Brothers, and others on our campus can be wonderful sources of comfort and care. Please take care of one another, especially those who may feel vulnerable.

Saint Mary’s is committed to maintaining an inclusive community where all members feel safe, respected, and valued. We are here to support you in any way we can.

Have a great semester!

Sincerely,

Roger J. Thompson, EdD

President