The May 2017 issue of The Green Room.

As the 2016-2017 academic year comes to a close at Colorado State University, we simultaneously wrap multiple performing and visual arts productions and exhibitions at the University Center for the Arts, recognize deserving students and faculty at a plethora of year-end awards events across campus, and conclude it all with the big deal of ceremonies – graduation!

I’ll spare you any words of wisdom or anecdotes about graduating, leaving that task to the true experts whose commencement day prose will be perfect! However, I recently read a letter my husband wrote to his son on the occasion of his son’s graduation. These words are not only applicable to students leaving university life, but to all of us who walk out the front door each morning, embarking on life’s daily duties and opportunities.

In order to keep this letter to one page, I have had to dispense with the notion that I can fill it with all of the advice and cautions I can muster (which are numerous, as you know). I will simply leave you with two words that I contend serve all of us well regardless of life situation, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, etc:

Be good. Every day. Every way. To everyone. To yourself. Follow that advice and everything else will come out in the wash.

There’s a lot there. Read it again.

It’s been quite a year, but as we exit the 2016- 2017 season, I can recall many truly good aspects, not just the creativity, talent, commitment, and development, but the insightful and tender way our students take care of each other. It’s a refreshing display of altruism in these somewhat turbulent times. I like to think that the community we have created inside these walls will continue to nourish each other and serve as an example for the thousands of guests we welcome into our “home” here at the UCA every year.

Keep it up, and may this summer be good to you! Read the May 2017 issue of The Green Room.

Jennifer Clary Jacobs
Marketing Director, University Center for the Arts