The below message was sent to faculty, staff, and students on October 20, 2025.
Dear Bryn Mawr Community,
We are in mid-autumn, with shorter days, longer nights, and sleepier mornings. The leaves are scattering across campus, and we are reaching for our warmer sweaters and heavier socks. I hope fall break offered a bit of rest, reflection, fun, and powering up for the second half of the semester.
On campus and in my travels for the College, I am seeing first-hand the differences we make when we work together across communities and generations. More than a hundred students, researchers, and educators from across the country came together recently for the College’s first Quantum Day, organized by Bryn Mawr’s new NSF funded Quantum Materials, Sensing, and Education Center. The lantern’s glow mugs and ice cream treats went quickly at the 140th Birthday Party for the College, and we hosted more than 700 family members and alums at Owls Fest earlier this month, connecting, sharing memories, and welcoming our new mascot, Olly.
Colleagues in Admissions and Alumnae/i Relations and Development have been to ten countries already this fall, connecting with alums, hearing their news, and sharing the story of this special place with prospective students and families. I spent an evening in Seattle recently with sixty parents and alums, including two who were first-year roommates in the early 1960s! I am greatly inspired by watching the magic that happens – in just a few hours – when members of our multi-generational community talk together about the College, its next chapter, and the difference we are making in the world.
As we continue through the fall semester, my team and I are focused on navigating strategically in a still-challenging legal and policy environment. We are in regular discussion about issues ranging from proposed caps on federal financial aid, limitations on visas and length of stay for international students and scholars, new enforcement of civil rights legislation, and impacts of the federal government shutdown, among others. Recognizing that pressing matters can’t always wait for the next scheduled meeting or planned conversation, please know that you are always welcome to bring questions or concerns to any member of the senior staff or to me. Additionally, you can bring questions through your elected leaders, or, for students, through the newly formed Presidential Student Advisory Council.
In the weeks to come, let’s not miss the beauty of this place or lose sight of the power of our shared community. In a world often full of noise, I invite you – and remind myself – to hear the quieter voices and melodies in our midst, the birds that, even as days shorten, persist in vibrant song.
With thanks,
Wendy Cadge
President and Professor of Sociology
Bryn Mawr College
101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Pronouns: she/her
brynmawr.edu
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