Encompass 2025 Newsletter – December

Dear Colleagues,

As the year draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your dedication, creativity, and commitment to our shared mission have made this year one of growth, connection, and impact. Together, we have built bridges across departments, supported students and colleagues, and strengthened the spirit of community that defines the University of Rochester.

The holiday season is a time of reflection and celebration. Across our campus and beyond, people honor traditions that bring meaning and joy—whether lighting candles for Hanukkah, gathering for Christmas, celebrating Kwanzaa, observing the Winter Solstice, or simply cherishing moments of rest and renewal with family and friends. Each tradition adds to the rich tapestry of our community, reminding us that there are many ways to celebrate light, hope, and togetherness.

I encourage you to take time for yourselves during this season. Rest, recharge, and embrace the beauty of winter. Whether you are enjoying the quiet of freshly fallen snow, sharing laughter over a warm meal, or finding inspiration in the crisp air, may these moments remind you of the importance of balance and joy in our lives.

As Maya Angelou once said, “In the winter, we find comfort in the warmth of family and friends.” Her words remind us that the true spirit of the season lies in connection and care. Looking ahead, I am excited for what we will accomplish together in the new year. With the same spirit of collaboration and care that has carried us through this year, I know we will continue to make a difference in the lives of our students, colleagues, and community partners.

On behalf of the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment, I wish you peace, joy, and good health this holiday season. May the snow bring wonder, may your celebrations bring warmth, and may the year ahead be filled with promise.

With gratitude and best wishes,

Dr. Adrienne Morgan, Vice President, Office of University Engagement and Enrichment

The School of Medicine and Dentistry Alumni Council is accepting nominations for its 2026 Alumni Awards. Each year, the Council honors graduates from the MD, PhD, MS, and MPH programs who exemplify excellence in their professional achievements, service to underserved communities, and dedication to the School’s core values.

Do you know an SMD alum who deserves recognition? Click here to submit your nomination today and help celebrate those making a meaningful impact in medicine, research, and public health.

• Deadline: Nominations will be accepted through mid-February 2026.
• Learn more and nominate here.

The University’s Food Pantry provides vital support, ensuring students can focus on their studies without worrying about basic needs.

Stocked with food and essential toiletries, it helps foster dignity, stability, and community care. Donations are critical to keeping shelves full, directly impacting those who rely on the pantry most—graduate and international students who often face unique financial and access challenges.

Please consider donating food or toiletries today to help keep the shelves stocked and our students supported. To assist you, check out this Do’s and Don’ts list.

Also consider holding a food drive within each of your units and coordinate with the Food Pantry for delivery, or donate directly by logging on to the Food Pantry’s Amazon Wishlist.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation on the future of free speech withNadine Strossen, former president of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and internationally recognized civil liberties advocate. Drawing on decades at the forefront of First Amendment battles, Strossen will explore pressing questions about the limits of free expression in today’s polarized society.

The discussion will be moderated by David Primo, University of Rochester professor of political science and business administration, who will guide an engaging dialogue on how Dr. King’s vision of a “beloved community” intersects with contemporary debates about fairness, dignity, and free expression.

This event is part of Experience Rochester, a series designed to bring the very best of Rochester directly to you—highlighting topics and speakers that embody the University’s commitment to lifelong learning.

Free and open to the public. Click here to register.

The Office of University Engagement and Enrichment invites you to a Zoom event on Wednesday, December 17, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Facilitated by the University’s Restorative Practices Team, this month’s dialogue will center on the theme of gratitude. These sessions create space for open, respectful conversation around both challenging topics and uplifting themes. Rooted in empathy, accountability, and community building, restorative dialogues foster understanding and strengthen relationships across campus.

In this session, participants will reflect on how gratitude can shape resilience, deepen connections, and strengthen our shared sense of belonging. Together, we will explore the ways gratitude enriches both personal and professional life, and how it can serve as a foundation for community well-being.

Whether you are new to restorative practices or a returning participant, all are welcome. Come listen, share, and connect. Click here to register.

Illuminating Religious Freedom at Rochester:

Dan Gorman’s Historical Project Dan Gorman, historian and doctoral graduate of the University of Rochester, is uncovering new dimensions of the University’s complex religious past. His current project explores themes of religious freedom and campus life—highlighting moments when faith communities felt welcomed and times when they faced barriers.

Over the past year and a half, Gorman has examined archival records to recover overlooked stories. His case studies include early debates over whether Rochester should be a Baptist institution or a nonsectarian (yet still Protestant) university; a profile of Rabbi Simon Tuska, the University’s first Jewish graduate; a narrative history of the YMCA and YWCA chapters once central to student life; and a collaborative study with research assistant Kerida Plaza on antisemitism in admissions, beginning with Medical Center collections and expanding to the River Campus.

A New York City native, Gorman earned his bachelor’s and doctorate in history from the University of Rochester and a master’s degree from Villanova. His passion for history was sparked by civic engagement programs in high school and deepened during the 2008 election, when he was inspired by the power of political rhetoric.

Beyond research, Gorman teaches a seminar on religion and public life, encouraging students to consider how faith intersects with media, government, and education. As his fellowship nears completion, he reflects: “I’ve enjoyed connecting with different offices, students, and faculty. It shows how humanities research can thrive in unexpected places.”

The Presidential Awards for Inclusive Excellence honor faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, and community partners whose achievements foster belonging and help every member of our community thrive.

Announced each spring, these annual awards celebrate leaders who embody our Meliora values. Together, their contributions make the University of Rochester a place where everyone can learn, discover, heal, create, and make the world ever better.

All nominees and their nominators will be invited to the awards ceremony and reception on Tuesday, March 31. Click here for more information.