Due to COVID-19, we had to halt inperson contact this spring, precisely at a time when we usually gather to celebrate and send off our Center graduates. In fact, a highlight of our spring semesters is our end of year celebration for our graduating students and their families. During this celebration, we give our students appreciation gifts, including a framed sketch of Ustler Hall that Donna Tuckey makes each year. We view this as a symbolic way for students to take Ustler Hall and the Center with them to the next chapter of their life. We were all disappointed that we could not have our celebration this year, and could not give our students their gifts. But, our amazing Donna would NOT have this. She stealthily printed the sketches, framed them, and gathered them in gift bags at her house for our students to pick up, at the requisite 6-10 feet physical distance. We all know that these kinds of gestures of care are not anomalous for Donna; this is how Donna always works, putting care for people first.
Similarly, our Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Broad organized our faculty to meet on zoom and record a congratulations video for our MA students. As well, our Undergraduate Coordinator, Dr. Zucker, recorded an inspiring congratulations and send off for our graduating students’ virtual graduation ceremony.
“Together we have adopted intersectional feminist approaches to thinking about and transforming systems of power. The skills you have gained will be 
especially important as we set out to recover from the impact of the coronavirus. You are graduating into uncertain times, but I am optimistic that as feminist-influenced thinkers and doers you will help lead us all into a more just, safe, and healthy future.” – Dr. Alyssa Zucker’s message to graduates