On behalf of the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, I thank everyone in the Penn State community who has enabled the University to carry out its academic mission safely and successfully in this most difficult year.

Entering 2020, none of us could have imagined the challenges we would face. We have had to approach everything we do differently — from educating our students and conducting research to continuing essential business operations.

And so, we did all of that, thanks to you. In the "We Are" spirit, Penn State employees have stepped forward and up like never before, with agility, resiliency, and resolve. Please know that we have seen and continue to see your extraordinary efforts, and we are grateful for your exemplary service.

I want to thank our faculty for your staunch commitment and tireless work to deliver the high-quality education — in-person and remotely — that our students expect from Penn State. I also want to thank our staff across the University. You deserve recognition and praise for the many ways in which you have gone above and beyond to support the University and its faculty and students.

I am so proud of you, and I hope you all will take pride in knowing the positive impacts you have made this year.

I often say that people are the most vital resources at Penn State. This holiday season, I realize that our people are also a gift. You all have given so much of your time and energy this year "For the Glory of Old State," and words cannot fully convey how much that means to me and everyone at the University.

Thank you for all you do and for making a difference at Penn State.

In gratitude,

Nicholas P. Jones, executive vice president and provost