To the Williams Community, I am thrilled to announce that the Board of Trustees on Friday approved the hire of Gina Puc (pronounced “Puck”) as Williams’ new Special Assistant to the President, Director of Community Relations and Secretary of the College, effective July 15, 2024. As Special… Continue reading »
Williams students, faculty and staff, Earlier today, the campus community was informed of a suspicious package in Wachenheim. Responders ultimately determined that it was not dangerous. In the wake of this afternoon’s emergency messages, I want to follow up by providing further information. There are limits on what I can… Continue reading »
Dear Williams community, Yesterday afternoon, students involved in the encampment disassembled their tents and ended their presence on the Williams Quad. Later this month, the Board of Trustees will meet with representatives from the protest to hear their perspective on the issues that motivated their actions. That meeting will coincide… Continue reading »
Williams students, faculty and staff, I want to provide an update on the campus encampment and protests, the college’s engagement with the protestors and other stakeholders, and address some questions we’ve heard from the community thus far. To summarize recent history, last November, members of the… Continue reading »
Dear SJP/J4J, Thank you for meeting with me again this week, and for your latest message. I have discussed your latest proposal with Board leaders. On condition of your commitment to dismantle the encampment and not disturb Commencement, they and I are willing to invite all members of the Board… Continue reading »
Dear Williams students, faculty and staff, Early this morning, a group of students set up an encampment on the Williams Quad. They have communicated demands that the college commit to “Implement increased transparency and ethical practices across the college’s financial strategy,” and “Divest the college’s endowment from weapons manufacturers supplying… Continue reading »
Dear Williams students, faculty and staff, Protest encampments on college and university campuses have recently captured national attention. We have reason to believe that some Williams students may be considering a comparable action here. At Williams, we encourage students to use their minds, and their voices, to develop and express… Continue reading »
Dear Williams community, Yesterday, the College hosted the final program in a three-part series on the war in Gaza and the international context. Toward the end of the evening, students shouted down the speakers with loud chanting, only departing after several minutes of disruption. A few minutes later, two other… Continue reading »
To the Williams community, I write to share my usual summary of the recent Board of Trustees meeting. Last weekend, in addition to their working sessions, the Trustees joined faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends in celebrating the new Davis Center. During the weekend we also honored Professor Joseph… Continue reading »
Dear Students, We are reaching out with some thoughts about how our community is moving forward following last week’s tragedy. Reactions after loss vary. Crises of many kinds can disrupt one’s sense of predictability, security and safety. Restoring these feelings is important and happens in different ways for different people. Continue reading »