Holiday Message from President O'Connor

As we head into our winter break at PAU, the spirit of community is in the air. We have so much to celebrate - the opening of our new campus in Mountain View with community leaders and partners to welcome us; students and faculty being recognized for outstanding research at local and national conferences; faculty and staff serving in leadership roles in the broader higher education and behavioral health communities; Provost Cameron's grants supporting innovation in our community; send-offs for dear colleagues who have decided to retire this year; and, more personal milestones as well.   In my case, I celebrated my daughter's wedding in North Carolina in September surrounded by our family and friends. The wedding weekend was a celebration of the overlapping communities that have nurtured and supported both Katy and her partner, Gray, over the course of their lives. For me, it was a reminder of how we all build the community we need at different phases of our life.   My fervent hope is that as an important member of our PAU community, you have the support you need to thrive and the friendship and collegiality you need to succeed. There is no limit to what we can accomplish if we all work together!   Wishing you a peaceful and restorative winter break and the happiest of holiday seasons.   With warm regards,   Maureen O'Connor President, Palo Alto University