Encompass 2025 Newsletter – October

Dear University of Rochester community and friends

Reserve your spot at this year’s Boundless Together Conference, Thursday, October 3, 2025, themed “Meeting the Moment.” Hosted by the Office of Engagement and Enrichment, this transformative gathering will take place at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Greater Rochester community for a day of learning, reflection, and connection.

This year’s theme is a call to action. “Meeting the Moment” invites us to ask: What do I need to know to understand this moment?

What can I do to respond to this moment?

How can I care for myself and my community as we do this work?

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical tools, or meaningful dialogue, this conference offers something for everyone. With 22 breakout sessions, hands-on workshops, and thought-provoking discussions, you’ll leave with new insights, renewed energy, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Featured Speakers You Won’t Want to Miss

We are honored to welcome Michele Norris as our keynote speaker. A Peabody Award-winning journalist, MSNBC Senior Contributing Editor, and former NPR host, Norris is renowned for her ability to foster honest conversations around race, identity, and social change. Her keynote will challenge us to think deeply and act boldly in our communities.

Also joining us is Harriet Washington, acclaimed medical ethicist, historian, and University of Rochester alumna (‘76). Washington, author of Medical Apartheid, will engage in a powerful fireside chat with President Sarah Mangelsdorf, exploring the intersections of ethics, advocacy, and health equity.

Breakout Sessions That Empower

From health equity and interfaith dialogue to cultivating joy and resilience, our breakout sessions are designed to equip you with actionable strategies and fresh perspectives. Highlights include:

Advancing Health Equity through Health Professions Education – Learn about the KEE (Knowledge, Empathy, Equity) Curriculum Framework developed at URMC.

Applied Interfaith Engagement – Explore tools for promoting religious pluralism and civil discourse on campus.

Redeeming Joy to Cultivate Resilient Relationships – Discover how joy can be a transformative force in community engagement.

Addressing Health Equity with a Trauma-Informed Lens – Gain insights into building trust and empathy in marginalized communities.

Why You Should Attend

This is more than a conference—it’s a movement. It’s a space to grow, to connect, and to be inspired. You’ll meet changemakers, thought leaders, and everyday heroes who are committed to building a more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient world.

Admission is free, and all are welcome. Whether you’re a student, educator, healthcare professional, or community member, your voice matters—and your presence will help shape the conversation.

Let’s meet this moment together. Let’s be boundless.

Register today at rochester.edu/oee/events/annual-conference.

Warmly,

Dr. Adrienne Morgan

Vice President, Office of Engagement and Enrichment University of Rochester