On Monday, August 2, the familiar quieter campus scene encountered by Larner College of Medicine researchers, educators and staff members over the past seventeen months of the pandemic grew to an audible hum of activity as more employees returned to in-person work in the Given, Health Science Research Facility, Stafford and Medical Education Center buildings and, indeed, across the entire UVM campus.
On Monday, August 2, the familiar quieter campus scene encountered by Larner College of Medicine researchers, educators and staff members over the past seventeen months of the pandemic grew to an audible hum of activity as more employees returned to in-person work in the Given, Health Science Research Facility, Stafford and Medical Education Center buildings and, indeed, across the entire UVM campus.
In his message to the Larner community on August 2, Dean Richard L. Page, M.D., described the week as “filled with the spirit of renewal.” New beginnings – made possible in large part by COVID-19 vaccinations – include the arrival of new UVM Cancer Center Director Randall Holcombe, M.D., M.B.A., and new graduate students and the Class of 2025 medical students -- the latter of whom begin their orientation course on August 9.
The College continues to be proud of and grateful for the steadfast work of faculty and staff who pivoted to research on COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic, many achieving breakthrough results. Equally impressive are the faculty, students, and staff who quickly transitioned to online learning and worked tirelessly to support our students’ success, and the staff members who continued to provide essential services in-person throughout 2020 and 2021.
While the uptick in COVID-19 cases due to variants is posing a new challenge, the Larner community has proven resilient in the face of adversity and vigilant with adhering to safety precautions, including mandated face coverings in interior settings. Being able to see and interact with colleagues in person is a gift that will fuel us moving forward in this new and different academic year.