Dear Colleagues,

As I am preparing to step down as Chancellor, I don’t have the usual monthly updates—just one simple truth you’ve likely heard me say before:

Universities are not buildings or places. They are people.

They are the people who plant the flowers, clean the halls, teach the classes, conduct the research, support the students, and keep everything moving—quietly, skillfully, and with purpose.

For nearly 12 years, I’ve had the honor of working alongside you. And in that time, I’ve taken hundreds of selfies on campus. These three say it all:

• A selfie with Arnold Martin, one of our landscapers, on a recent morning. I’ve talked with Arnold over the years and gotten to know about him and his family, including his daughter, who is now working on her Ph.D at UCR.
• A photo of the self-described “Pentland Cleaning Ladies.” These friends regularly walk the campus for exercise and conversation.
• A snapshot with Dr. Jack Hu, taken during his visit after being named UCR’s next Chancellor.
  
  

These aren’t pictures of new buildings. They show something better—the spirit of UCR.

What I’ll miss most each day is you—the hardworking, committed, and generous people who make this university what it is.

We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Dr. Hu as the next Chancellor. And he’s equally lucky to be joining a community as remarkable as this one. I hope you’ll give him the same warmth, support, and good humor you’ve shown me.

Serving as your Chancellor has been the privilege of a lifetime. I’ll carry you with me—in my heart and among my photos.

Thanks for filling my camera roll with memories.

With deep appreciation,

Kim