A Thank You to Our Members

Dear AAUP Friends,

At the end of this academic year, this is a simple letter of thanks for everything extraordinary you have done for your students, your programs, your institutions, and your wide and varied commitments beyond your institution and for our state.

You have worked against a background of intersecting crises: pandemic, invasion, injustice, gun violence, and so much more. This past year has shown us that we must work hard for change where ever we can, especially as we fight to maintain the very soul of our democracy.

With our thanks to all of you for your work this year, we also extend our gratitude.  The word “gratitude” cannot lose its profound importance as an expression and practice of caring. AAUP-Oregon recognizes and values the responsibility you have taken to care of yourselves, your colleagues, your family, and friends. We are interconnected in this community and mutual support is our sustenance. 

AAUP-Oregon is first and foremost about the empowering of the voice of higher education faculty across the state. It is about recognizing and mobilizing our collective power to make knowledge that serves the common good.

AAUP-Oregon moved that vision forward by representing faculty in the legislature, championing faculty over tenure challenges at Linfield University, supporting coordination at the bargaining table, or mobilizing to increase the power of faculty voices in our statewide university boards are a few ways we have drawn on the strength of your convictions to energize our efforts.

Summer, contrary to administrators’ beliefs, does not stop our work.  We research, tweak, improve, and immerse ourselves in projects.  We are a capable crew, after all.  Knowing that you are engaged in your projects, we hope all of you can find time for rest and restoration this summer for the future that awaits us in the fall.  I’m reminded of the words of Tennyson:

I am a part of all that I have met
Though much is taken, much abides
That which we are, we are–
One equal temper of heroic hearts
Strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

On behalf of the Executive Committee, I wish you a fine summer to do the wonderful things you do (and maybe yield just a bit).

Sincerely,

Steve Shay

President, AAUP Oregon