Wishing you a safe and restful Thanksgiving

As we take some time to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to wish you all the best and urge you to follow these recommendations from UC Davis Health to keep yourselves and your friends and families safe in the coming weeks. We've done a great job taking precautions and protecting each other since March; let's keep it up for the next several months until we can get past this.

While we look to Thanksgiving as a time to express gratitude and enjoy family, we need to also take stock of those around us that may need some extra empathy or support. People have lost loved ones, some have lost jobs, and many are fearful of what the future may hold. We also should recognize that those among us with Native heritage may take a different view of Thanksgiving. This is a great time to be kind to each other.

Despite the obstacles 2020 has thrown in our paths, I find myself thankful for many things. In my personal life, I'm very thankful for the many family and friends who love me and enrich my life. Intellectually, I'm thankful that a recent Pew Research study found that 82% of U.S. adults still say government investments in scientific research are worthwhile. Professionally, I love being part of all the amazing work that ANR has accomplished these past several months; I am so proud and thankful to work with colleagues of your caliber.

This week UC President Michael Drake announced plans that will help the UC system confront COVID-19–related financial challenges while protecting jobs. We are grateful that the President gave the leadership at UC ANR and at each UC campus the discretion to determine the appropriate strategy to address our specific budget needs. I'm pleased to report that, due to the proactive cost savings programs we already put in place, including our three-day winter curtailment, UC ANR is on track to achieve $4 million in savings which, for the remainder of this fiscal year, will allow us to avoid additional actions. I'm very thankful for the vision and work of our financial team that enabled this, as well as your support to implement it.

It's been a very difficult year in many ways, and this holiday season will be unlike any other due to the increased risk of COVID-19, as well as the ongoing civil unrest throughout much of the country. I know many of you are caregivers for your families, which can be a heavy burden, or shoulder other responsibilities. It's important to remember to take care of yourselves. You should feel free to use your UC ANR Zoom account to connect with family and friends during this holiday. Mostly though, try to rest and allow yourself time to rejuvenate.

Best wishes and happy Thanksgiving, 

Glenda Humiston
Vice President

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