A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT


SEE HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2020-21 ACADEMIC YEAR


Dear Friends of Queens: This past year needs no summation of its challenges – we all experienced great disruption in our lives due to the pandemic. What is important to reflect on, however, is the perseverance with which Queens is equipped to maneuver whatever life throws our way. With the generosity and support from the Queens community, that which unites us—the commitment to our mission, vision and values—continues to enable us to overcome.


While many activities were conducted virtually, student life and academics still proved to be inclusive and enriching. We saw students connect to their peers, their professors and their communities in person and through technology, social media and other creative ways. Despite being seemingly limited, many students found unique opportunities revealed in these interactions.


I am excited to share a few highlights of the ways our students thrived during the past academic year.


Graduates of 2020 and 2021 were celebrated with in- person commencement ceremonies in May.


Athletics thrived with four past and current students qualifying to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics, and a record number of Royals were honored on the South Athletic Conferences’ (SAC) Commissioner’s Honor Roll for their academic excellence.


Supporting Queens’ ethos of community service, The Knight School of Communication launched a student- run news service supplying community news content for multiple media outlets in the Queen City.


The Vandiver Center for Career Development hosted its Schmoozapalooza, allowing students to continue to connect with employers virtually for the first time at the annual networking event.


The Wells Fargo Center for Community Engagement partnered with students in the Cato School of Education on the Pandemic Pen Pal program reaching elementary school children in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.


The McColl School of Business hosted its annual Pitch Competition with virtual judging, presentations and awarding to shine a light on Queens students’ entrepreneurship savvy.


Looking back over the highlights of the past year, I am amazed at the achievements of our students, faculty, staff and community, but I am not surprised. It is the essence of what we embody and expect at Queens. We are grateful for the solid foundation your contributions provide for opportunities to abound now and in the future. We are able to move forward and emerge even stronger than we were before. I hope you enjoy reading more in this report about how your support makes an incredible impact. When we are able to fully come together again, I cannot wait to thank you in person.


Warm regards, Daniel G. Lugo, President


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