5/16/2023

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            I am unsettled this AM because I botched a job. I am reminded of my girl scout leader’s adage, “the hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” I had too much going on yesterday to attend to the details of an application & sent a sloppy version to the Vice Provost. His staff person sent it back & cced the top brass, so I feel inept. Does that kind of thing ever happen to you?

            How was the graduation? Were you impressed by Penn president Liz Magill’s remarks about how “success is not solitary?” She says she learned from her mom in ND to have “a deep interest in others, a desire to learn about them, & a warmth & a joy in everyday living.” It seems that she is off to an excellent start in her 1st year in her position. Folks say she knows how to disagree productively & engage with the “best version of her opponent’s argument.” Perhaps you should get her in your admin.

            It’s hard to find folks with the academic credentials, fundraising ability, management experience, & personal qualities to make a great university administrator. We’re interviewing a candidate for the dean job who may fit that bill. Fingers crossed.

            Have you figured out how to help the victims of Cyclone Mocha? CNN says, “rescue groups are bracing for “a large scale loss of life.” According to AJ, “right now, no one can reach (affected parts of Burma) with a vehicle.” The only way to go there, is with a motorcycle, because the roads are not fully cleared yet. Let’s keep holding them in the Light.

            I hope your event to commemorate Jewish Heritage Month goes well. Hearing some songs from Parade should be interesting.

            BYBS,