President Wendy Raymond in San Francisco

Despite the challenges posed by an unprecedented global pandemic, the fall semester saw inspired and inspiring action across campus. Since fully returning to campus, a sense of joy has seemingly permeated the College thanks to a comprehensive and intentional approach to community. Thanks to the 99.6% vaccination rate for students, classes have re-commenced in the classroom, with universal masking indoors. In the fall, Customs looked much more traditional, after the virtual orientation provided last year and a successful fall Plenary was held, reaffirming student agency. 

With the Omicron COVID-19 variant, the spring semester has begun with some stricter policies and protocols, which have ensured that positive rates have remained relatively low. With new booster requirements, universal masking in KN95 masks or better, and close adherence to the recommendations of our infectious disease advisors we are satisfied with our position as national outliers, across the Tri-Co, in terms of our low transmission rates. It's clear the community cares about moving forward safely and compassionately. 

Learn more about COVID-19 policies and procedures at hav.to/besafe

The past fiscal year saw Haverford reach a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) break-even budget for the first time, which was an endeavor ten years in the making. This progress was realized over the course of an intentional process of moderating expenses while optimizing revenue, consistent with our focus on delivering an exceptional academic program and student experience.

With a recently announced endowment of $641.5 million, just over a 27% increase from the beginning of the year, these successes have meted a new financial vigor for the College during a year of global economic turmoil. We celebrate these successes but also caution that these have been uncharacteristic years of generosity. While this level of giving is not necessarily sustainable, Haverford maintains aspirational fundraising goals while remaining ready to respond to any future challenges posed by the economy.

Overall, community contributions are an essential part of Haverford and will be of increased importance as we approach the next comprehensive campaign. The strategic plan will establish specific giving priorities but there is no shortage of ways to contribute to Haverford before those designations are made clear. Learn how you can be a benefactor. 

Read more about the current state of the endowment

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How has COVID-19 impacted Haverford's finances?

It is with thanks for a $2 million gift from Bill Harris '49 that the College was able to absorb the previously unanticipated costs of COVID-19 adaptations and precautions while still reaching GAAP break-even. In addition, thanks to intentional departmental savings, the College maintained employment status for all employees during the pandemic. 

October 29, 2021, marked the one-year anniversary of the start of the student-led strike for racial equity. During a difficult time being faced by the nation, and specifically after the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and then Walter Wallace Jr. mere miles from Haverford's campus—and resulting communications from senior leadership—served as a fulcrum for students to take action as an articulation of the ways in which they had historically lacked support. 

In response to the commitments outlined during that time, Haverford enacted and continues to undertake structural changes to promote a sense of belonging for all members of the College community—and particularly those underrepresented in higher education. 

That said, we still have work to do to ensure that these important actions are being developed as part of day-to-day practice. 

In order to effectively communicate the volume of work that is being undertaken, updates and progress toward commitments have been shared on the Office of Institutional Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Access (IDEA) webpage. Ultimately, Haverford has learned that, for too long, the work of creating an inclusive community was resting on the shoulders of students. It is the responsibility of faculty and staff to take on this work and professional development opportunities are being created to allow employees of the College to lead intentional conversations and engage thoughtfully across difficulty—allowing students to be students and live their best possible life, both educationally and socially, at Haverford. 

Learn more at hav.to/antiracism

Athletic teams have been fabulously successful during the fall and early spring semesters. Notably, women's volleyball reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014 and made it to the regional semifinals. The men's cross country team won the 2021 Centennial Conference Championship and the 2021 NCAA Metro Region Championship—they finished 32nd at nationals overall (in their 28th consecutive trip to nationals). Similarly, women's cross country won the 2021 NCAA Metro Region Championship and finished 24th at nationals. Angie Petrichenko '22 and Izzy Miller '22 were each named All-American, representing the first time in program history Haverford has had two All-Americans in the same season for the team.

The field hockey team made the Centennial Conference Tournament and were ranked as high as number 17 in the nation this season. The team was just one win shy of matching the program's single-season wins record. Men's soccer won five straight games to open October, and women's soccer had a huge rivalry win over Swarthmore, winning in overtime on a penalty kick on Senior Day.

Not to mention the spectacular leadership of our coaches! Drew Hargrave (women's volleyball) and Tom Donnelly (men's cross country) were named Centennial Conference Coach of the Year. In addition, both Tom Donnelly and Fran Rizzo (women's cross country) were named NCAA Metro Region Coach of the Year.

Most recently, women's basketball has achieved an impressive six game winning streak—having just beaten Immaculata University in an at-home victory. 

When asked, "Why are our teams doing so well?" President Raymond happily replies, "Because we are playing!"

Learn more about Athletics

Want more Athletic Department updates? Sign-up for Scoreline. 

Scoreline is an athletic e-mail maintained by the Athletic Department which sends out bulletins during the academic year with results and highlights of recent games and releases on matters of interest. It is an especially good way for alumni, parents, and/or friends to keep track of how teams and players are doing. There is no charge for this service; simply sign up on the athletic web site.

To add or be removed from this mailing list, please e-mail hc-scoreline [at] haverford.edu.

Open for use at the beginning of the fall semester, the Music Building Project, funded by the Lives That Speak campaign, has created an enriching and beautiful space for the Bi-College music program to thrive. Part renovation and part extension, the Music Building has helped enrich the hart of campus, adding more connectivity between Lloyd, the North Dorms, and the Duck Pond.

The space is in constant use for rehearsals, performances, and speaker sessions. Notably, on Sunday, December 5, the Bi-Co Chorale was able to gather in the new Michael Jaharis Music Hall and come together in masked song for the first time in two years. This space, specifically, will be dedicated in April and all members of the Haverford community will be welcome to attend. 

Learn more about the Department of Music

Haverford's faculty continue to offer the best in liberal arts education while also bringing honor to themselves, and the institution, through their accomplishments. Faculty had adapted well to virtual learning styles but are overjoyed to be back in the classroom. Many also take advantage of our beautiful arboretum by holding class outside, weather permitting. 

Among many highlights, Wendy recently was able to sit down with Associate Professor of English Asali Solomon and discuss her new book, The Days of Afrekete, which received rave reviews in The New York Times. Set in Philadelphia, where Asali grew up, the book focuses on Bryn Mawr but the influence of Haverford can be felt throughout! 

Professor and Chair of Philosophy Danielle Macbeth is celebrating 30 years of teaching at Haverford. Specifically, she is teaching Logic 101 for the 25th time and even had a child of one of her former students in her class this semester. 

Associate Professor of Anthropology and Environmental Studies Joshua Moses recently hosted expert forager, and founder of Wild Foodies of Philly, Lynn Landes on campus for a food preparation tutorial in the Visual Culture, Arts, and Media (VCAM) building—utilizing ingredients foraged from campus. 
 

Read more Faculty Headlines

Many campus departments are undergoing a restructuring process and Haverford is pleased to welcome new and interim staff and faculty, particularly in senior staff positions, who are prepared to work together and help Haverford thrive. 

Haverford warmly welcomed new Provost Dr. Linda Strong-Leek to the College community in August of 2020. She is a Professor of Africana and Gender and Sexuality Studies.

In addition, while seeking a permanent placement, the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer is currently being led by Interim Chief Diversity Officer Norm Jones who is advising departments across campus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) best practices and helping establish formal systems that his predecessor may take on. 

The Dean's Office & Student Life, as led by the new Dean of the College John McKnight, coordinates academic support and student services at Haverford and is generally responsible for student life on campus. John hit the ground running and is working to create or change programs, girded by the Haverford ethos, which encourage students to thrive academically and personally. He has also partnered with Wendy to host bi-weekly student dinners at the President's House to encourage transparency and open communication. John is also helping facilitate a national search to appoint a new Director of Athletics is in its final stages. The Dean's office oversees the Department of Athletics, which is currently being led by Interim Director of Athletics Michael Vienna. 

Each individual is considered a national leader in their field and Haverford is grateful to have recruited such strong individuals who can effect institutional change, intentionally and with an eye to traditional college tenets.

For students and alumni alike, networking can be the single most effective tool for success in career exploration and searches for jobs and internships. Haverford Connect exists as a tool to encourage dialogue between alumni, families, and students—across areas of personal and professional interest. These connections can help establish important relationships and create access to a variety of career paths. All students, alumni, and families are invited to create accounts and start making connections at connect.haverford.edu. 

Join Haverford Connect