A Farewell Message from Dr. Esther Barazzone
Dear Chatham Faculty, Administration, Staff, Students and Alumnae/i:
It is with both great gratitude and optimism for the future that I write to say "farewell" as Sam and I put the final touches on packing and loading the van for departing from Gregg House this morning. I can hardly believe how the years have flown by, and how joyous and fulfilling my time as president of Chatham has been, despite occasionally difficult times and challenges. It has been a privilege to be your colleague and to serve the institution. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity and our partnership.
Few are fortunate enough to have work whose sole purpose is the wonderful one of human growth, and fewer still have the opportunity to exercise leadership in education. Thank you for the joy of having work which I felt mattered every day, and for being people that I loved doing the work with. And thank you for the privilege of leadership you afforded me.
I hope you share the pride I have in the creativity, determination, and sense of community with which Chatham has addressed some of the difficult issues of higher education today. The future is bright, and I am eager to see the new directions that you will take with David Finegold moving into Chatham leadership. He and Susan will be great members of the community and I look forward to all the wonderful things you will do together.
Chatham has been so kind as to honor me in many ways in recent weeks, including the gift of naming the Esther Barazzone Center at Eden Hall. I hope the "Zone" will always remind you that I remain your devoted friend and fan, sending good karma for Chatham and her endeavors, as well as for each of you. A piece of my heart will always be with you.
With warm affection,
Esther
From the Editor:
We wish Esther and Sam all the best as they embark on this next chapter in their lives. To learn more about Dr. Barazzone's accomplishments and retirement, please visit our YouTube page to see videos of the All-Campus Retirement Party, dedication of the Esther Barazzone Center and a tribute from Pittsburgh leaders to Dr. B.