The Season of Goodbyes

Honoring Your Connections

With commencement looming on the horizon, I am reminded that come May, a rip tide of departures will envelop our lives and communities. As the academic year winds down, announcements of retirements, relocations, and career transitions begin to ripple through departments and teams. These moments, though inevitable, carry emotions of significant weight.

Saying goodbye in the workplace is unlike other farewells. Colleagues aren’t just people we work alongside; they’re individuals who share in our daily rhythms, celebrate our victories, and support us through challenges. Over time, these connections transcend professional boundaries, evolving into friendships built on shared experiences and values. When a co-worker announces their departure, it’s not just their absence we prepare for—it’s the loss of a familiar presence that has shaped our work environment.