UI Foundation/UI Advancement Weekly Update 08.06.21

Dear Team:

Just when it appeared the United States was finally starting to manage the coronavirus pandemic, the exponential spread of the Delta variant threw us another punch. Two steps forward and one step back. After eliminating the requirement for wearing face-coverings indoors for the fully vaccinated at UIUC and UIS, our universities (and the UIF) are now heeding updated CDC recommendations and requiring masks again indoors, regardless of vaccination status, in areas of substantial or high transmission. Champaign, Cook, and Sangamon counties all fall in those categories.

The change, although disappointing, should not be surprising. From the pandemic’s beginning, we’ve talked about the ability to be nimble in responding to the changing facts, circumstances, and science surrounding the virus. Wearing masks again indoors is not what we hoped for but consider it another pivot on our way to herd immunity and use your best judgment to keep yourself and those around you safe.

Despite the recent changes to COVID protocol, I am beginning to feel like a “regular” academic year is at hand. There is an uptick of activity at our universities in preparation for welcoming students back, and many events are on the schedule for the fall months. My agenda is starting to fill with UIF Board of Directors committee meetings, discussions with our leadership team about the opportunities ahead, and travel plans to visit donors. While some accommodations may need to be made to do these things, it’s certainly nice getting back to some semblance of normalcy.  I would encourage all of us to look forward to what we are going to accomplish this year and realize that getting there will likely include a few detours along the way.

One thing that makes all of us feel better is weekends, and we have almost made it. Here’s a fun fact to kick off your weekend…today is International Beer Day! So, if you happen to enjoy such things, you may also enjoy the old Czech proverb - A fine beer may be judged with only one sip, but it’s better to be thoroughly sure.  (Of course, be sure and be responsible.)  If beer isn’t your thing, find your happy place this weekend and make the most of it.

Cheers,

Jim