Dear Members of the USF Community,
Last week, with great joy, USF returned to hosting in-person commencement ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students. After holding three consecutive virtual ceremonies due to COVID19 Public Health Department restrictions, it was wonderful to see our graduates (and newest alumni) return to St. Ignatius Church, which was beautifully decorated for Advent. It was a gift to witness the celebrations they had with faculty, staff mentors, friends and — especially — family.
These newest alumni, along with our 2020 and spring 2021 graduates and each of our current students have every good reason to be proud of their accomplishments as this calendar year comes to a close. Our students and alumni have overcome daunting obstacles and persisted in the face of disappointments and losses, yet they continued learning, growing in wisdom and grace, serving others, and working for justice.
To all members of our community — students, staff, faculty, and librarians; trustees and advisers; supporters and friends: I am deeply grateful to each of you for the commitment you have made to the University of San Francisco during this challenging time. Your diligence, collaboration, and ingenuity in the face of disruption have been awesome. Thank you for all you have done to accomplish USF’s mission.
As you reflect on this past year and all we have accomplished, I hope you will have the time to truly rest, recharge, and visit with loved ones. For those who are traveling, please have safe journeys; your USF family and friends look forward to welcoming you back to campus. Please know that I am praying for your good health, well-being, and happiness in the new year.
May your holiday celebrations be blessed — and restful! And please enjoy this video with all good wishes for the new year.
Sincerely,
Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.
President