10 Things that Made 2021 a Year to Remember
This is not your average year-in-review list. That’s because we’re celebrating being here - not just on Zoom, but IRL. And it felt good, we dare say even normal, to be on campus together. Yes, the pandemic is still here and still very real, but 2021 hit different and we’re rewinding the clock to take a look back.
1. Double the Fun
What’s better than welcoming a new class to campus? Welcoming two! In August, the Class of 2025 officially became part of the Pride, and the 2024-ers finally came to campus after so many spent year one learning remotely. And we’re so happy to see their beautiful faces.
2. Let the Games Begin
Let’s face it, we missed cheering on the Pride in 2020. After COVID led to canceled seasons and modified game schedules, players and fans were elated in spring 2021 when the MAC Conference announced the return of competitions and in-person spectators. Nothing like watching our teams roar back into action - iykyk.
3. Green Scene
We rolled out multiple new academic programs this year, including the new Green Chemistry major. DYK we are the first university on the East Coast to offer it? Picture: curriculum informed by sustainability, faculty doing environmentally conscious research, and you, all ready for an eco-conscious career in a sector poised to catch 🔥 with jobs.
4. Sushi and Starbucks
Dining’s big makeover finally got the audience it was craving. From lattes and cold brews to sushi, salads and healthy grab-and-go food boxes, the meal scene on campus saw a major glow up. And we’ve balanced healthy with comfort because those fried chicken tenders from your childhood memories are just inside the UC doors, too. (Nobody canceled the legendary chocolate chip cookies. They’re safe.)
5. Mind Matters
College is hard. The pandemic is hard. #MentalHealthMatters – and Widener cares about supporting its students. We moved the Counseling and Psychological Services office to a more central location on 14th street, hired two new therapists, and launched the TAO Connect online resource, making a personalized mental health toolkit available to everyone in the university community 24/7.
6. In-Person Commencement
Four days. Nine mini ceremonies. Two drive-through ceremonies. One hub of virtual content. Phew, tired just thinking about it! In May, we successfully held commencement celebrations for 2021 and 2020 graduates (who missed out on the in-person fanfare the year before). The memory of that week lives rent free in our heads.
7. Great Employer
Widener was named a Great College to Work For in one of the country’s largest, most respected workplace recognition programs. We were honored in four areas, including Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging for demonstrating commitment to those things. Happy workers help make a happy university. We’re All Widener 💙💛
8. Home Sweet Home (cue Delco accent)
The shift back to traditional in-person annual events that we know and love this fall undoubtedly gave us all the feels. This year’s Homecoming was no different. From PMC graduates to our youngest alumni, having our extended members of the Pride back for the first time in over a year reminded us of why Widener truly is our second home - and we’re here for it.
9. What’s in a Name?
We officially dedicated the Army ROTC center to Gen. John H. Tilelli Jr., a 1963 graduate of Pennsylvania Military College and member of the Widener Board of Trustees, which he chaired for five years. He’s a retired four-star general and a champion for soldiers who answer the call to serve – including the cadets in Widener’s Dauntless Battalion. He calls them “America’s best.” We know he is, too.
10. 200 Years, and Counting
HBD, Widener! Excuse us while we flex for our 200th year of educating leaders and innovators. Join us as we continue to celebrate our bicentennial anniversary while we look back at our past, recognize our present, and build our vision for the next 200 years.
