Notes on an Important Day

I think we can all agree the past few weeks have been uniquely challenging for our fellow citizens and our nation. But on Wednesday, we witnessed one of the hallmarks of our democratic society – a peaceful transfer of power from one Presidential administration to the next.

Regardless of your political leanings, the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris sends a powerful message to the world: We are moving forward as a nation, and we are moving forward together.

Clearly, critical and urgent work lies ahead. A pandemic continues to rage at home and abroad. Structural racism, inequity and inequality persist. And patterns of persistent disinformation, resulting in division and mistrust have yet to be meaningfully confronted.

But for me, Inauguration Day reaffirmed my faith in the strength of our republic and the promise of our future. As University colleagues, each of us is inherently focused on the future. We give our time, talents and energy to educate and empower generations of learners to make a difference in the America of the future. The work we do breaks down barriers and lifts up communities, helping to ensure opportunity is within reach for everyone. At DeVry, we will continue to stand in support of our nation’s democracy through our alliances with organizations like the Civic Alliance and Headcount.org. The work is ongoing – but it’s essential, and we’re here to meet the challenge.

In 1787, when citizens gathered at Independence Hall in Philadelphia after the Constitutional Convention, Elizabeth Willing Powel famously asked Benjamin Franklin which form of government the founders had chosen to adopt. You may know Franklin’s famous response: “A republic, if you can keep it.”

For over two centuries, we’ve ‘kept it.’ This week, we reaffirmed our republic once more. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.