A word from Vice President Lori McDonald: Aug 2026

There is something very special about the traditions that mark the beginning of a new academic year. 

For our staff, those traditions might mean reconnecting with colleagues, preparing our spaces, or watching campus come alive again – like hearing the marching band practicing in the distance (my favorite). For students, they might mean moving into a residence hall, attending their first event, or finding a community that begins to make the U feel like home. 

Traditions have a way of carrying us through transitions. This fall, we’re celebrating some of the experiences that do exactly that through a new category of events: U-Traditions. 

U-Traditions are large-scale, collaborative experiences that help define student life at the U. Some are events incoming students may have already heard about through the grapevine and are eagerly anticipating before they even step foot on campus. Move-In Week is already well underway, and next week brings the Get Involved Fair and Crimson Nights. RedFest, the Wellness Carnival, Homecoming Week, Veterans Week and more will continue those experiences throughout the fall semester. 

These traditions also bring our Student Affairs vision to life. Helping students discover their passion, people and purpose isn’t simply something we say — it happens in moments like these, when students connect, participate and begin to find their place here. And the work you and your teams do to shape these experiences is at the very heart of student life at the U. 

So, as another year begins, I encourage you to think about the traditions that shape your own experience at the U, and those we have the privilege of creating for our students. 

I appreciate your work today and every day. Here’s to another year of creating special moments together!  

Sincerely, 

Lori McDonald