Dear Student Life Staff,
A message from Leanna
Our colleagues so often become family – the people we spend time with, laugh with, cry with, struggle with, and love in so many ways. As with any family, we will be together in both the happiest and most difficult of times, but we will be here with and for each other through it all. Please take a moment to read the update below from Michele regarding our beloved leader and Vice Provost for Student Life, Dr. Tanya Winegard. Everyone in Student Life has a different relationship with Tanya and has different needs as we process this information. Through it all – know that you are supported – and fully encouraged to take care of yourself in whatever ways you need.
Leanna
A message from Michele
Last night, Dr. Winegard shared this message on her CaringBridge site:
After spending the last two-plus weeks in the hospital, we have run out of options for treatment. My body is tired and needs lots of rest. I am at home and am surrounded by family and am at home now under hospice care. There is no timeline for how long I will receive this level of care. It may be days. It may be weeks. It could even be a month. I don’t know how I would have fared these past 14 months without all of the love, prayers, and support that I have received from this community. So, I want to thank you for that. I also want you to know that I continue to be able to rest and I am not experiencing too much pain.
I or someone on my behalf will continue to send updates.
The Winegards are strong. But the men in my life could really use your support at this time. Please feel free to reach out and bother Mike at any time.
With love and gratitude,
Tanya
Fourteen months ago, three days before her diagnosis, Student Life gathered for our annual missioning service. Tanya and I both asked the division to focus on accompanying each other and our students into a hope-filled future. I ask you to do the same today. Let us accompany each other in the next few days, weeks, and months. Please know that Tanya is at peace and is grateful for each one of you and the work you do. We honor her commitment and passion for our community by continuing to accompany each other and focusing on how we can serve our students together.
Please take time to feel what feelings may come. Know that resources are available to you as staff members through our Employee Assistance Program and our partners in Mission and Ministry. And for those of you new to Student Life, accompany us all by listening to the stories we share about Dr. Winegard!
As Dr. Winegard would say, with love and gratitude,
Michele
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