Value and security

August 31, 2023

Since 1894, America’s workers have enjoyed a holiday that celebrates hard work. Labor unions hosted parades to honor dedicated workers, and Grover Cleveland thought the recognition was such a great idea that he made it a holiday and cleverly named it Labor Day.

The timing of Labor Day provides a nice chance to catch our collective breath after the start of the semester. Getting back to routines is exhausting after a summer of ignoring the numbers on the clock and following the rhythm of the sun. Ironic that Labor Day should come on the heels of a season branded for fun, excitement, and spontaneity!
 
As we make the hard turn from late-night frosty treats to early-morning caffeine doses, we can take the chance to re-dedicate ourselves to the work of faith, the labors of love, and our endurance in hope. Perhaps Labor Day is a very Ignatian holiday, a time to pause and consider the world around us and our place in it.  The fact that we mark Labor Day with a paid day off underscores the idea that work is less about busyness and more about understanding our value and security in vocational roles and achievements.

Your energetic and earnest work answers the call to instill hope and inspire action in our students every day.  My hope for you this holiday is that you can log off your laptops and reflect, basking in the confidence of your value to the College of Arts and Sciences. 

I also hope you have a chance to enjoy a frosty treat of your choice!

Shannon Kapp
College Relations Manager