Dean's Remarks

Belated February Greetings!

The shortest month of the year is packed full with many celebrations and opportunities for learning. I thought I’d bring you along on my virtual education as I sought to increase my knowledge of some key celebrations – mostly serious and a few whimsical. Happy February!

• Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme (www.history.com). This year’s theme is Black Health and Wellness and I learned much at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture website. I encourage you to explore and learn alongside me!

• The Lunar New Year launched on February 1 as the Year of the Tiger. But, I also learned on that site that “China’s Lunar New Year is known as the Spring Festival or Chūnjié in Mandarin, while Koreans call it Seollal and Vietnamese refer to it as Tết”.

• Super Bowl Sunday has to make the list this year, as our hometown host LA Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals. The halftime show seemed to create new history along generational lines – delight (Millennials) and confusion (all other generations). At least that was true in our family!

• Our shortest month is also known for Groundhog Day (February 2), Valentine’s Day (February 14), and President’s Day (February 22) – all of which are likely familiar to you.

• But, may I also introduce some food celebrations across the month? National Tater Tot Day (February 2), National Pizza Day (February 9), National Almond Day (February 16), National Sticky Bun Day (February 21), National Banana Bread Day (February 23), National Chili Day (February 24), National Peanut Butter Day (February 24), National Pancake Day (February 25), and National Pistachio Day (February 26). When is National Fitness Day (to work off all our eating)? Plan ahead for May 7!

However you learn or celebrate this month, I pray you live life to the fullest. The Psalmist David wrote this – a wise prayer for us all.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

May our hearts be tender, our learning be deep, and our celebrations be many!