Notes from the Dean

Over the past two months, we have had multiple celebrations, with more to come. In April, we honored members of the college community during the Arts and Architecture annual spring awards ceremony. The ceremony was preceded by the unveiling of the “Mending Walls” mural, a collaborative project involving students and faculty and staff members from across the college. In early May, we celebrated the graduation of 225 undergraduate and 63 graduate students during Penn State’s spring commencement ceremonies. This summer, the Center for the Performing Arts is kicking off a yearlong celebration of the 50^th anniversary of Eisenhower Auditorium. Also this summer, we have another fantastic season of the Penn’s Woods Music Festival, starting with the ever-popular opening concert at the Arboretum on June 16.

Speaking of the Arboretum…after years of planning and construction, the new Palmer Museum of Art is opening on June 1. I guess you could say I delayed the lede in this message, but that’s because I wanted to devote more space to this much-anticipated celebration. It’s difficult to describe what the opening of the new art museum represents, because it is meaningful to so many people. The Palmer staff, under the leadership of director Erin Coe, has been working around-the-clock for weeks, along with other key players inside and outside the college and the University, to prepare for the “big reveal.” Almost ten years ago, former Penn State President Eric Barron and Dean Emerita Bobbi Korner hosted a meeting of museum, University, and other leaders to discuss the possibility of expanding the footprint of the Palmer. Flash forward, and here we are, ready to open this fantastic museum to the public. The new building, designed by Allied Works, has already received national press. If you are visiting University Park soon—or are local—you must visit the new Palmer Museum of Art. You won’t be disappointed.

We have so much great content in this issue. So much to celebrate. I hope you take the time to read more about the incredible work our students, faculty, and staff are doing. I continue to be amazed by—and grateful for—the people who make our college such an energizing place to work, learn, and create. My gratefulness extends to you, our alumni and friends, who support the work that we do in myriad ways. Thanks, as always, and please keep in touch.