Meet in the Park
Dear Staff and Faculty,
All of us hope that we will soon be viewing the Covid-19 pandemic from the rearview mirror. Along with the disruptions faced and the detours traversed, many of us have also found a few nuggets we wish to pick up and carry along as we move forward. One of the bright spots that emerged at Cal Lutheran during the pandemic is that we have a viable option of taking some of our work “outside.”
Along with many reading this note, I have spent countless hours in outdoor meetings, throwing my lightweight camping chair over my shoulder, and plopping down in various parts of Kingsmen Park. Being outside in that beautiful space, watching students pop in and out of Ullman and settle in at the Jack’s patio, made me feel at home; it reminded me each day that I work and live on a university campus. I appreciated that simple reminder at a time that few things seemed normal. Others of you have commented on how much you, too, enjoyed working and meeting outside.
I think we should continue that practice.
Towards that end, our hardworking facilities staff and others are fashioning a space for those who are interested in working outside, together.
Starting on June, 2 Cal Lutheran will sponsor a weekly “Meet in the Park.” We will have a 10x15 tent with a communal workstation erected just off the spine near Starbucks and 40 adirondack chairs and small tables will be set up in the shaded areas of Pepper Grove. From 8:30-11:30 AM our Media Services team will pipe in background music to add a little ambiance to the Wednesday Morning Summer scene. Via this note, I am inviting managers and directors to host their staff meetings in this space as you see fit.
Meet in the Park
June 2 - August 25
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Kingsmen Park and the Pepper Grove
Add 'Meet in the Park' to your calendar.
Additionally, my new Chief of Staff, Angela Fentiman, will begin hosting Chief of Staff outdoor office hours during this time. Beginning June 9, she will be in the Pepper Grove from 10-11:30 AM each Wednesday. I encourage you to stop by to say hello and introduce yourself, if you have not yet met.
Soon, you’ll receive an invite from Campus Ministries and the Community Service Center for meditative craft projects during the Wednesday lunch hour.
Hope to see you outside.
Lori E. Varlotta, Ph.D.
President
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