A Season of Gratitude

Dear University of Rochester community and friends,

As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for each and every one of you. This time of year reminds us to pause, reflect, and give thanks—and I am deeply grateful for the incredible dedication, compassion, and excellence you bring to our university every day.

Whether you are supporting our students in their academic journeys, advancing groundbreaking research, caring for our patients, or fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus environment, your contributions make a profound difference. You are the heart of our institution, and it is because of your tireless efforts that we continue to grow, thrive, and enrich the lives of those we serve.

As Alice Walker, author of the groundbreaking novel The Color Purple, beautifully said, “Thank you is the best prayer that anyone could say. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, and understanding.”

Thank you for all that you do. I am honored to work alongside such a passionate and committedcommunity. May this season bring you peace, joy, and meaningful moments with those you hold dear.

With gratitude,

Dr. Adrienne Morgan

Richard Feldman Vice President, Office of University Engagement and Enrichment

It’s a wrap!

Nearly 700 Gathered for 2025 Boundless Together Conference

On October 3, nearly 700 students, faculty, and staff came together for the University’s 2025 Boundless Together Conference, hosted by the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment. Centered on the theme “Meeting the Moment,” the day offered reflection, learning, and dialogue around optimism, trust, and accountability.

Dr. Adrienne Morgan, vice president of Engagement and Enrichment, opened the day by framing optimism as a deliberate act of engagement. President Sarah Mangelsdorf emphasized education’s power to transform lives, reinforcing the conference’s call to action.

A highlight of the day was a fireside chat with Harriet A. Washington ’76, author of Medical Apartheid, who received the Frederick A. Douglass Medal for her contributions to bioethics and social justice. Washington challenged attendees to shift the question from “How do we gain trust?” to “How do we become a system worthy of trust?”

The conference concluded with a keynote from Michele Norris, Peabody Award–winning journalist, who spoke about the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster understanding.

Breakout sessions explored topics such as health equity, restorative practices, mindfulness, and civil discourse, reinforcing the message that honesty, curiosity, and care are essential to shaping a future built on trust.

We’re grateful to everyone who made this year’s Boundless Together Conference such a powerful and inspiring experience. We look forward to seeing you again next fall as we continue the journey of reflection, connection, and transformation—together.

Coming up

School of Medicine and Dentistry Alumni Council Accepting 2026 Award Nominations

The School of Medicine and Dentistry Alumni Council is now 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.

Don’t forget to register for the Eastman School of Music Context Conference, November 6-8

The Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester invites you to Context Conference 2025, happening November 6–8 in Rochester, NY. This year’s theme, Resonate: The Best Harmony Takes All of Us, explores how music can educate and unite communities across all levels—from K-12 to professional organizations.

Expect inspiring keynotes from Omar Thomas, Antonio Cuyler, PhD, and China Wilson, plus over 40 workshops, breakout sessions, and a powerful finale concert, A Soul Symphony, featuring the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and a 75-voice gospel choir.

Join Us in Honoring Our Veterans — November 4

The University of Rochester invites you to the Veterans Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, November 4, in the Flaum Atrium, School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Breakfast Reception: 7:30 AM
Program & Color Guard: 8:00–9:00 AM

Hosted by the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment, this annual event celebrates the service and sacrifice of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and families who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Veterans Day 5K Honor Run –-November 11

Join the University of Rochester community for the annual Veterans Day 5K Honor Run on Tuesday, November 11, from 6-8 am. Hosted by the Veterans Alliance, NROTC, and University Advancement, this event honors those who have served and continue to serve our country.

Participants will walk or run a scenic 5K route from Fauver Stadium to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Highland Park, where a brief ceremony will be held before returning to campus. Bagels and refreshments will be provided at Fauver Stadium following the event.

Can’t attend in person? If you aren’t in the Rochester area or this time doesn’t work for you, join the honor run remotely from November 3 to November 11.

Participation is free and open to all.

MLK Commemorative Address

Join us for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address in January 2026. This annual event honors the enduring legacy of Dr. King and his commitment to justice, equity, and community. The keynote speaker will be announced soon. Stay tuned for more details!

Restorative Dialogues: Join the Conversation

The Office of University Engagement and Enrichment invites all University of Rochester faculty, staff, and students to participate in the next sessions of its Restorative Dialogues series on Thursday, November 13, and Wednesday, December 17 via Zoom.

November 13 topic: Let’s Talk About Accountability
December 17 topic: Gratitude

Facilitated by the University’s Restorative Practices Team, these sessions create space for open, respectful conversation around challenging topics. Rooted in principles of empathy, accountability, and community building, restorative dialogues help foster understanding and strengthen relationships across campus.

Whether you’re new to restorative practices or a returning participant, all are welcome. Come listen, share, and connect. Click here for more information.

Meet the Facilitator

Traci Terrance, Ph.D., LCSW

Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Clinical & TranslationalScience Institute (CTSI)
Director of Restorative Practice Initiatives, Office of University Engagement & Enrichment
Associate Director, Strong Behavioral Health at Highland Family Medicine
University of Rochester Warner School of Education Ph.D. Alumni

Building Stronger Workplaces Through Restorative Practices

What if your workplace could resolve conflict, rebuild trust, and foster deeper connection—all through conversation?

Restorative practices offer a proactive, people-centered approach to workplace culture. Rooted in restorative justice, these methods prioritize empathy, accountability, and community-building over blame or punishment.

In today’s diverse and dynamic work environments, restorative practices help teams navigate challenges with compassion and clarity. They create space for honest dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaborative problem-solving.

What Are Restorative Practices?

At their core, restorative practices include tools like:

Restorative circles for team-building and conflict resolution.
Facilitated dialogue to surface concerns and perspectives.
Reflective questioning that encourages accountability and repair.

Rather than asking “What rule was broken?” restorative approaches ask:

Who was affected?
What needs to be done to make things right?
Important next step: Repair harm.

This shift in mindset fosters trust, emotional intelligence, and shared responsibility.

Why They Matter in the Workplace? Organizations that embrace restorative practices often see:

Reduced conflict and improved morale.
Stronger team cohesion and communication.
Greater inclusion and support for marginalized voices.
Lower turnover and higher employee engagement.

Leaders who model restorative approaches signal a commitment to fairness, transparency, and human-centered leadership.

“One of the ways that we often share about restorative practices is our philosophy around the 80/20 rule…if we invest 80% of our energy or efforts in relationship building, community building, when things break down or conflicts arise, it’s not as difficult to manage or to navigate because of the relationship we’ve built,” said Dr. Terrance.

The objective of Restorative Practices: A More Connected Culture Restorative practices help transform workplaces into communities—where people feel heard, respected, and empowered. By prioritizing dialogue and repair over discipline and division, companies can build cultures that are not only productive but deeply human.

Observances

All Saints’ Day: Nov. 1

Día de los Muertos: Nov. 1-2

Daylight Saving Time Ends: Nov. 2

Dev Deepawali: Nov. 5

Veteran’s Day: Nov. 11

World Kindness Day: Nov. 13

Transgender Day of Remembrance: Nov. 20

Universal Children’s Day: Nov. 20

Thanksgiving Day: Nov. 27

Epilepsy Awareness Month

National Adoption Month

Native American Heritage Month