WELCOME
Whether you are student new to Macalester, or you are a
returning student fresh from a summer of adventure, travel, work, or
rejuvenation, I extend my arms in welcome to each of you.
I hope you can feel the magic in the air as we enter
into a new year…and if you watch closely, you will even notice an extra bounce
in the leaps of the squirrels on campus! I find something wonderfully
energizing about this new academic year. The air is a little crisper than I am
used to…bright colors of red, orange, yellow abloom…the hum of happy voices
across the lawns as I watch you connect, engage, and find your way across
campus to your friends, your rooms, your classes, the student center, the
fitness center. Perhaps the energy I feel is more salient for me because I just
recently landed on campus.
Joined by Jonathan, my 17 year old son, who is high
school senior at St Paul Academy, and my 8 year old standard poodle, Nigel, I
have been soaking in the beauty, wonder, and culture of St. Paul, sampling the
foods, exploring the neighborhoods, engaging with the people, and as my family
and I have been gradually getting our bearings, we are deeply appreciative of
the warmth and generosity extended to us by the Macalester community. And as I
settle into my new role as your Vice President for Student Affairs, it is with great
excitement and enthusiasm that I look forward to embarking upon a journey of
learning, discovery, and engagement with you.
I look forward to getting to know you, hearing your
stories, weaving in my own as we co-create the beautiful tapestry that is
Macalester. You will see me on campus, at programs and activities, at meetings
and workshops. Stop me and say hello. Ask me about myself. Tell me about
yourself…your dreams, your aspirations. Come by my office in Weyerhaeuser…I
look forward to the opportunity to connect.
In the meantime, embrace this beginning of a new start…step out onto
this year with a boldness…awaken your spirit to adventure and learning…lean in
to the year and discover new connections and friendships…discover the joy in
the rhythm of the place.
May this spirit welcome all of us into this new year.
Donna Lee
ABOUT ME
- Oldest sibling of 4
- A native New Yorker
- A graduate of a liberal arts institution
- A veteran of the Army…served for 9 years (it’s a long story…ask me about it!)
- Completed my first marathon in celebration of my 50th birthday; have completed 5 more since. In search of a new activity…one that won’t aggravate my knee injury
- Lover of books, chocolate, food, laughter, life
- Devout mother, friend, educator
- On a quest to learn more, be more
- A proud new member of the Mac family!
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| Me and Jonathan |
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