The below message is sent on behalf of Darrien Davenport on July 22, 2021.
Dear Gettysburg College Community,
In the words of Jesse Owens, “The only bond worth anything between human beings is their humanness.” My close bond to you as friends and colleagues, with whom I have had the great pleasure of sharing the same space over the last five years at Gettysburg College, is the reason I felt it was imperative to write to you directly today.
I am writing to share my very difficult decision to resign from the roles of Interim Chief Diversity Officer and Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees. My last day at the College will be Friday, August 13. After much reflection and discussion with my family and mentors, I have chosen to dedicate the next chapter of my life to other personal and professional pursuits.
I want to express how tremendously grateful I am to the College’s leadership and campus community, who have supported the various programs and initiatives that have led to the bettering of the student experience. You epitomize what we do in higher education and why we do it!
To the Board of Trustees, thank you for your vision, leadership, and guidance during my time at Gettysburg College. You have mentored me in ways you could never imagine, and for that, I am thankful.
To President Iuliano and my colleagues on the President’s Council, it is hard to express how grateful I am for your support of me as a member of the leadership team. Not only are you great thought partners, but you define what it means to be a team. I will miss your wisdom, strength, and affinity for Gettysburg College.
For my colleagues in College Life and the President’s Division, with a special acknowledgment to the Office of Multicultural Engagement, Gender Equity & LGBTQIA+ Life, and the Human Resources Office, saying we were able to do great things is an understatement. Your collegiality has served as a beacon of light for student and employee life at Gettysburg College. You will forever be in my heart!
For the faculty, administrative, and staff colleagues, your commitment to the student experience is unmatched. I honor all that you do to make the College go forward.
Students, my time with you has been nothing short of a blessing to my humble existence. One of my great joys was meeting so many of you. Whether we were rejoicing after the wins or crying through the difficulties, you gave me a sense of irreplaceable purpose and I do not lament a second that we spent together.
My sincerest thank you to the entire Gettysburg College community. I will be cheering on your success and know the future is bright as you continue to be Gettysburg Great, together!
Peace and many blessings,
Darrien Davenport