I am looking at the calendar and trying to understand how it could possibly be October 1.  Orientation seems to have happened only last week.  It’s been a busy month, with conference travel, getting used to the new job as director (I’m sure I’ve just scratched the surface), teaching, and data analysis.  We’ve had a very successful Orientation; hats off to all the second-year students and SIMSA for organizing this event and, as always, to JoAnn, Jenn, and Shanna. I don’t teach any of the incoming students this term, unfortunately, but I’ve heard good things from my colleagues about their engagement and enthusiasm; I look forward to meeting them in a guest lecture I’ll be doing this Monday in INFO 5515 (it’s so strange to not be teaching this course) on Dublin Core. I’m very excited about the part-time instructors who are with us this academic year, since they represent a broad range of academics and practitioners.  We’re blessed at SIM to have so many people who are interested in teaching courses and in sharing their experiences and knowledge with our students.

I would like to extend my congratulations to our three MLIS students who will be graduating this month,   Danielle Cossarini, Angela Manyangara, and Rosalind Morrison: Best wishes to all of you and for your future careers; I know you’ll do SIM proud.

The Associated Alumni welcomed new and continuing MLIS students this month; I’ve thanked the Association alumni in a separate forum, so I’ll keep my thanks brief here.  I was so pleased that Terri was awarded the Alumna of the year.  I first met Terri when she was Visitor-in-Residence at SIM in 2005; I was, of course, instantly impressed with Terri’s character, abilities, humour, and professionalism.  Terri immersed herself thoroughly in SIM activities, and even attended classes (I was one of the lucky profs.). I can’t think of a better role model for SIM students than Terri, and wish only that our paths crossed more frequently.

It’s been an excellent start to the year with more good things to come.  Please do keep the blog posts and comments coming, as we would love to hear from you.  Many thanks to our guest bloggers for helping us to get the ball rolling.