Dear Members of the Immaculata Community,

It has been over a week since we had to close down our campus. We are monitoring the news from state and local governments on a daily basis, and I am sad to say that our physical offices will remain closed until further notice. Students will not be permitted back on campus until further notice. To minimize disruption, we already communicated that the balance of instruction for the semester would take place online.

I must admit that it is quite a different campus these days. Usually at this time of year, I would be attending spring sporting events; I would be looking forward to listening to our music students’ performances; I would even be attending some classes with the students. There are no students on the back lawn of campus with their footballs, baseballs, Frisbees and blankets. I sincerely miss seeing the faculty, staff and students on campus. As the Executive Team and I have been addressing numerous issues with the campus closure, during all of our deliberations, it is clear that we miss all of you.

I am sure you continue to have many questions: What are we going to do about Commencement? What about the summer and fall semesters? To be honest, I do not have all the answers right now. As we have experienced, this is a constantly changing situation. However, I can promise you that we will make decisions in the best interest of the IU community and continue to keep you informed.

As we move through all of this uncertainty, I want to express my gratitude to all of you:

• To the administrators: You have been working to monitor this health crisis and develop contingency plans. I thank you for doing everything necessary to safeguard our community members. You are doing all you can to conduct “business as usual” in these very unusual times.
• To the faculty: Thank you for the concern and flexibility you have demonstrated to meet and honor our educational mission. The decision to move classes online happened quickly, and you accomplished that transition. I appreciate and respect your ability to continue to educate and challenge our students to be their best.
• To our staff: You are the people Immaculata depends on every day for safety, security and a functioning campus infrastructure. I appreciate all that you do.
• To our students and their families: This has been, and continues to be, a difficult situation. You have both supported our decisions and willingly adjusted to the many changes this disruption has caused. I know that this has not been easy.
• To our seniors and graduates: I promise that we will find a way to recognize your hard work and celebrate your accomplishments. You will not leave Immaculata without a proper and deserved sendoff.

Throughout all this disruption, I have seen the Immaculata community come together to make sure we are doing what is best for our students under these difficult circumstances. My hope and prayer is that God will find a way to stop the spread of the deadly virus and provide us an opportunity to get the “family” back together again.

With thanks and concern for all,

Barbara Lettiere
President