February 2024 Message from Dean Mayo
February 28, 2024
Springtime fills us with a sense of renewal and expands opportunities to engage with many graduate student and postdoctoral communities.”
Kelly Mayo
Dean of The Graduate School and Associate Provost for Graduate Education
Sunnier days and unseasonably warm weather have our thoughts turning toward spring earlier than usual this year. Springtime fills us with a sense of renewal and expands opportunities to engage with many graduate student and postdoctoral communities. Our campuses begin to surge with student- and postdoc-led events and activities as we leave winter behind and creep closer to Spring Quarter.
Having a sense of community is an important part of a successful academic journey. The graduate and postdoctoral experience can feel isolating, with long hours spent in labs, libraries, archives, and studios. To emphasize and encourage such fellowship and promote well-being, TGS is proud to sponsor a number of graduate student and postdoctoral organizations that represent a wide range of educational, cultural, and social endeavors.
The leaders of these organizations are dedicated to fostering an enhanced sense of connection and belonging. The organizations provide space to exchange meaningful dialogue and meet like-minded individuals through participation in various causes and activities. The interdisciplinary approach of Northwestern itself is echoed in the diversity of groups and activities available. Whether it is through celebrating myriad cultures, debating societal topics, mentoring youth, or exploring a hobby, there is a place for you.
Our student and postdoctoral leaders also serve as a helpful conduit to TGS. Their feedback and engagement help us better support and improve the overall graduate and postdoctoral experience. We in TGS recognize and appreciate those who help lead these graduate student and postdoctoral organizations, to the benefit of all. This is the time of year that TGS is pleased to also recognize members of our community at large who are making a difference through our annual Ver Steeg and McBride Awards.
The Ver Steeg Awards recognize a faculty and a staff member for their excellence in working with our community. The McBride Awards recognize a TGS student and postdoc who help create an environment that is welcoming to all. Each award recipient will receive a $1,500 monetary award and a certificate of recognition during a spring awards luncheon. Please nominate any outstanding faculty, staff, and students/postdocs for this honor by Monday, March 4.
Another group of outstanding student leaders is our Presidential Fellows. This group of PhD candidates carries out innovative research and provides thought leadership in a variety of disciplines. I hope you will join us to hear research presentations from two of our fellows—Rachel Russell from Theatre and Drama and Paulina Jones-Torregrosa from English—on Tuesday, March 5 from 4:00–6:00 PM in the Allen Center. This event is in celebration of Women’s History Month, and everyone is welcome. Please RSVP in advance by Friday, March 1.
Thank you to the many leaders within our TGS community, including those currently serving as ambassadors during visit weekends for prospective PhD students. Your enthusiasm and expertise help ensure Northwestern remains an institution where all can succeed and thrive.
Sincerely,
Kelly
Kelly E. Mayo
Walter and Jennie Bayne Professor of Molecular Biosciences
Dean of The Graduate School and
Associate Provost for Graduate Education
Categories: From the Dean