by Daniel Meyers, director Center for Faith and Vocation

Welcome to our Butler students, faculty and staff!  In the past few days I have had elated moments of new welcomes and reconnections in the hallways of the CFV, in the large greenways of campus, crossing parking lots, in Atherton Marketplace, the rooms of Jordan, in the tents sheltered from torrential rain – you name it – the campus is filled with small moments of reunion and new introductions waiting to happen!  Whether you are returning to campus or joining us for your first year, community is happening, and it is wonderful.  Small human moments have allowed the chance to share with others what recent summer months have brought, to join in the expectation of a new year, and to acknowledge what is uncertain and prompting concern.  A campus that thrives on interaction has seen moments of renewal during the orientation weeks and I hope for many reading this, you have experienced some of these moments too. The CFV is excited to welcome everyone back as we get prepared to be an active presence on campus to promote our four central goals:

While it is wonderful to be returning to a new year full of potential, it is still messy and unclear, isn’t it? We, as a society and a campus, are not back to “normal” nor are we on route to repeat last year.  This year has the makings of a new “third thing,” that will require new thinking, new creativity, new flexibility, and new grace.  It has been helpful to approach some of our plans with “third thing thinking” – how do we approach community, relationships, classes, and campus life in this particular moment?  If we can help you navigate those questions, particularly around connecting to communities, learning and dialoguing across difference, finding meaning and purpose in this moment, and grounding your wellness, please know that is what we are thinking about everyday.  Welcome to campus from the CFV – we are here to help you have a year of fulfillment, authenticity, and growth in the most unique of times.

With good wishes,

Rev. Daniel Meyers