Dear Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Friends of the I&CE Program, 

I am sending warm greetings to all of you. The spring has just sprung in New York, the trees and flowers are blooming, and we are beginning to take a deep breath after what has been a difficult year. These past 15 months have been challenging on many different levels. With the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic on all our lives, the continued violence of White supremacy targeting our Black and Asian, and Trans* communities, among others, life just seems difficult. I hope that all of you and your families are healthy and safe.

Throughout these challenges, I have become more and more in awe of our community and its resilience. There is so much to highlight and celebrate, that it just brings a smile to my face. I know that many of you cherish the printed version of this newsletter. However, we are really excited about launching this “virtual version” to coincide with another year of v-CIES. We are taking this opportunity to enhance our beloved alumni newsletter by making it more dynamic…and sustainable!