A Message of Thanks from the Chair of the Board of Trustees

Dear all,

I want to express my profound thanks for all you have done to manage through this crisis. The past few months have been difficult for each of us in immeasurable ways, and the response of the Vassar community has been exemplary. Speaking for the Board, I have been inspired by the ingenuity, tenacity, and grace of Vassar’s faculty, administrators, staff, and students.

Beyond COVID, we’ve also been jolted by a series of unfathomable instances of racial injustice. The murder of George Floyd and the recent shooting of Jacob Blake are but two examples of the systemic racism present in our country and in our institutions. Our nation has to find the will to come together and do the substantial work required to address the inherent injustice that we’ve accepted for too long.

As a Board, we are committed to supporting whatever is necessary to address this issue at Vassar. In this regard, we have been moved by and fully support President Bradley’s vision for how Vassar will continue to transform in a way that promotes racial justice both on and off-campus. Throughout my years at Vassar (as a student, volunteer, parent and trustee), we have always been a community of people who do not run from challenges, but rather address them head-on with creativity, inclusivity, and determination.

Regarding VassarTogether, I want to acknowledge the work of Deans Alamo and Hoynes who shepherded a group of faculty, students, and administrators through the process of creating a plan that enables Vassar to safely resume teaching this fall. The Board has been greatly impressed with the care, thought, and attention to detail that the plan demonstrates. While I recognize that we will face ongoing challenges, I am confident that our community will come through this. The Board is committed to making sure that Vassar is a safe place to live, work, and learn and will continue to fully support President Bradley and the Senior Team as they work to ensure these commitments.

My best wishes to you and your families. Please stay safe and again, I can’t thank you enough for all you have done. I am inspired by the energy and optimism of our community as we work together to get through these turbulent times. 

Here’s to a great semester! 

Tony Friscia ’78
Chair of the Board of Trustees 
VASSAR COLLEGE
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604