Dear Friends,

January 24th will soon be here, with the opportunity to be back together at the start of a new semester. Of course, I look forward to it with all my heart while wishing we were not going to be joined by Omicron. Yet we will. Thank goodness the college’s Task Force continues to guide us with such thoughtful and informed direction.

The rate of transmission of the Omicron variant is staggering and its ability to break through protections infuriating. Yet, vaccinations, boosters, and adherence to, now, well-known public health practices are hugely successful at keeping the consequences of the virus manageable and a very large share of public health practitioners out of the hospital. Vaccinations, boosters, masks, and distancing need to be part of our lives for time-being.

Everyone doing everything that the Task Force is asking of us will keep the Beloit College community as safe as possible.

It also makes us caring and ethical citizens of the region. There are many unvaccinated people — children and others — for whom infection by the Omicron variant is a significant risk to their health. Self-care continues as much as ever to be community care.

Dean Youngblood said at the outset of the pandemic, “Better to be six feet apart than 600 miles apart.”

Let’s celebrate being back together in-person for the Spring Semester. And, let’s commit to doing our part to making this semester as healthy and safe as possible.

And, one more really important thing. Please thank a Task Force member if you see them. They are Erica Daniels, Tara Girard, Kristin Bonnie, Lori Rhead, and Cecil Youngblood. We are so lucky to have them as friends and colleagues.

See you soon.
Scott Bierman