We’re already about midway through January and I’m still having trouble remembering to write “23” instead of “22” in the date. I don’t know if it’s the job or the human condition, but I’m always surprised by how fast time seems to pass. But here we are in 2023, and I’m feeling refreshed and ready to take on the year ahead.
As I’m still getting my bearings on what the next 12 months are going to look like, I want to use this message to highlight an event series that I’ve already grown quite fond of: The Neilly Author Series.
We will conclude the 2022–2023 season with this month’s talk from 17-year-old inventor Gitanjali Rao. She’s one of my newest heroes, and I encourage anyone reading this to attend the talk in person or virtually. As much as I’m looking forward to Rao’s talk, I wanted to call attention to the central theme of the entire season’s talks.
All of the books discussed in this chapter of the Neilly Series have been in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Rochester’s Department of Psychiatry at the Medical Center. Each author’s topic touched on key concepts of biopsychosocial model.
During my time off over the holidays, I thought about these Neilly Series talks and the partnership with the Medical Center. It made me think about how, given the ways our people, spaces, and collections support and provide for students, faculty, and staff, there probably isn’t an area of the University we don’t have some connection to. That thought is why I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and start setting and reaching goals this year.
I’ve always been aware of the breadth of my charge, but every now and then I’ll get concrete reminders of why our work matters so much. I’m excited to keep pushing the libraries forward, and eager to deliver new and enhanced programs, services, resources, and events.
Kevin Garewal
Vice Provost and Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean
University of Rochester Libraries
