It goes without saying that this year has been unlike any other we have ever experienced in our lifetime. Unprecedented, uncertain, challenging, tumultuous — these are just some of the adjectives that I am sure we all look forward to using less in 2021.

But as Victor Hugo wrote in "Les Misérables" — “Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise.”

Despite the chaos we have encountered, I see many reasons for optimism and hope. I have been constantly uplifted by students who remain eager to learn and make a difference in the world — students such as Sarabeth Bowmaster (sophomore, women’s studies, philosophy, communications arts and sciences), whose efforts led to the first collegiate chapter of the League of Women Voters being established at Penn State this past year. I have been inspired by faculty and staff who have shown great resilience and perseverance in supporting our students’ ongoing quest for a transformative liberal arts experience. And I have been deeply moved by alumni and friends who have constantly asked, “What can we do to help?”, continue to open the doors of opportunity for our students, and remain actively connected to their alma mater.

On behalf of the College of the Liberal Arts, thank you to every member of the Penn State community who even in these most extraordinary circumstances have enabled us to further our efforts to provide a transformative liberal arts education to every diligent student who seeks it. I look forward to our paths crossing in the upcoming year, be it virtually or in person when it is safe to do so, and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish together in 2021.

— Clarence Lang, Susan Welch Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts