It is finally spring, after a long, snowy winter in Chicago and a mild, rainy season in Phoenix. The big, ugly, dirt-encrusted ice-and-snow piles in Chicago are finally thawing, while the wildflowers are in full bloom on the hillsides of Phoenix. I'm lucky to get to experience both. On our campuses, students are back from spring break and excited about the last quarter of classes or rotations before many of them get a summer break. Then there are the senior students, who are looking forward to graduation on May 23 in Downers Grove and June 6 in Glendale.

While spring signals the beginning of the end of the school year, it also is a time of many year-end special events. The month of March actually began with our first graduation of this year, with 150 new alumni of the Chicago College of Pharmacy completing their Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. The day was sunny but cold as friends and family celebrated the accomplishments of these graduates.

Another beloved event on both of our campuses is the spring Easterfest and egg hunts, which have been held for many years. The Downers Grove event was last Saturday, March 15, and saw many local children and kids of MWU students, faculty, and staff come to campus to search for eggs on the lawn outside of the new Wellness & Recreational Hall. The Glendale event is coming up this Saturday, March 22. Egg hunts are scheduled for various age groups, so no one has an unfair size advantage in filling their baskets! The highlight of the event is an appearance by the Easter bunny. Children of all ages love to have their photos taken with the bunny.



Photo: Kids enjoy meeting the bunny at the Glendale Campus (left) and participating in the egg hunt in Downers Grove (right).

These springfests and egg hunts are all coordinated and run by MWU students. Student organizations work with our Office of Student Services to manage all of the details, from inviting the community to hiding the eggs. MWU faculty and staff contribute eggs, and everyone comes out to enjoy the events.


Photo: A family plays "bop-a-bunny" at the Downers Grove Easterfest.

Spring is a wonderful time on our campuses. My best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful Easter!