Dear Members of the TC Community,

Today, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, we write to extend a happy new year to our students, faculty and staff who celebrate. We wish you luck, harmony and good health in the Year of the Water Tiger and hope you have opportunities to gather with loved ones—virtually or in person—during the period of festivities. Please help us celebrate by sharing encouraging words, quotes, memories or goals for the new year with the TC community!

According to Chinese astrology, the tiger signifies qualities that include courage, energy, ambition, and a relish for challenges, and the water tiger is further associated with endurance and flexibility. These are good attributes to embrace in the coming year as we work to harness our energies, skills, and knowledge to make strides in our personal lives and forge new research and solutions to make a palpable, positive impact on the individuals and communities we serve.

As we celebrate this day of renewal, we also want to recognize and condemn the anti-Asian violence that has surged during the pandemic and has continued over the past year. In New York City alone, anti-Asian incidents increased by more than 300 percent in 2021, with more than a third of bias incidents in the subway system directed against Asians. Such acts of violence and hate are deeply disturbing and intolerable, and for Asians and Asian Americans within our TC community, the pain and anguish are even more acute. 

At TC, we dedicate ourselves each day to creating a more just, inclusive and equitable world and we stand in solidarity with Asians and Asian Americans in and outside of our community against all forms of discrimination. Racial hatred poses a monumental challenge in our society, and the qualities of the tiger can and must be applied here, too. On this first day of the Lunar New Year, let us commit to being energetic, persistent and courageous in building a better future where all are safe, welcome, included and valued.

Thank you for everything you do to build a smarter, healthier, more equitable world, and have a wonderful and safe new year!

Warmly,

Janice Robinson
Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs

Stephanie Rowley
Provost, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Thomas Bailey
President