Dear Vols,

Five UT students were named Goldwater Scholars last week, the most of any university in the country. The Goldwater Scholarship is the most prestigious undergraduate STEM award in the US; it goes to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students and a tremendous recognition for our university.

Finding moments to celebrate our good work and achievements—even in difficult times—is important. It’s an occasion to pause and reflect, to remind ourselves of the great things we can accomplish, and to come together to lift each other up.

The next few weeks will be hard as we grapple with the changes in our world and navigate this new way of working, teaching, and learning. But let’s commit to keep looking for the moments—big and small—to celebrate.

When you find these moments, tell me about them!

I want to hear what you’re looking forward to, what you’ve accomplished, and what good news you’re celebrating. Post about it on Twitter and tag me—@dondeplowman—so I can share your joy.

We are all in this together.

Donde Plowman
Chancellor