It is with great pride that we write this end-of-semester message to our campus community. It goes without saying that the past year has been difficult: We have reached the point where commenting on the myriad hardships of the pandemic feels flat. It is now just a fact, something we’ve had to endure.

And yet, as we congratulate a new class of Iowa graduates on their achievements, we must remember the astounding way this campus reacted in the face adversity.

Hawkeyes rose to the occasion at every turn, as they are well known to do: Faculty and staff worked swiftly to set up online classes. We geared up to produce critical drugs to treat the virus. The State Hygienic Lab expanded its COVID-19 testing to record levels. Dance Marathon redesigned and kept its mission going strong. That is only a small sampling.

It is with a new sense of hope that our campus and our new graduates celebrate the coming of spring and the beginning of a life returning to a sense of normalcy. Though changed, our world is beginning to look little by little the way it did before the pandemic, and we can look toward the future with new excitement.

For our graduates, we ask that you take that sense of positivity with you. As the world begins to reopen, the expanse of possibility is even greater for you. Equipped with your Iowa education, you’re ready to begin your life’s journey in the manner of your own choosing. Inventive, diligent, and practical, Iowa graduates will be at the forefront of the efforts to rebuild the social fabric we’ve so missed.

To those who are remaining at Iowa—students, faculty, and staff—thank you for all of the work you’ve done to keep our campus running as smoothly as possible, keeping the university’s research work on track and the education of our students at the fore, despite great difficulty. And to our medical staff especially, your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Your work is a shining example of what Hawkeyes are capable of, and they will be remembered in the annals of the university.

We look forward to what the coming months and years will bring, not only for our new graduates but also for our campus.