The event featured community building through food, fun, and connection, with thought-provoking dialogue, interactive activities, shared meals, a panel discussion, dancing, and more.
Photo: “The Gathering” attendees dance during the event, which was held at the SMC Campus Center on June 30.
On June 30, the University of Maryland School of Nursing’s (UMSON) Office of Strategic Engagement and Impact (SEI) hosted ”The Gathering,” a day of community building through food, fun, and connection. There is something powerful about taking time to simply gather! The event had a simple yet intentional purpose: to get back to our roots as a community.
In the midst of busy calendars, deadlines, and the demands of academia, it is easy to move from one task to the next without truly connecting. SEI wanted to create a space where students, faculty, and staff could pause, build relationships, and be reminded that community is one of our greatest strengths.
Just as strong roots allow a tree to flourish and bear fruit, investing in one another creates the foundation for us to live out our core values every day. When we are rooted in belonging, respect, integrity, collaboration, excellence, compassion, and accountability, the fruit is evident, not only in our professional work, but also in how we care for one another and the communities we serve.
Throughout the day at the SMC Campus Center, participants engaged in thought-provoking dialogue, interactive activities, and shared meals designed to foster authentic connection and reflection. Attendees heard an insightful panel discussion featuring members of the UMSON community, took part in fun dance breaks, and contributed to our Community Commitment Tree, a collective expression of our shared commitment to living UMB’s core values. Each experience encouraged participants to reflect on what it means to embody those values both personally and professionally while strengthening relationships across our community.
SEI thanks everyone who attended, shared conversations, built new connections, and helped make “The Gathering” a meaningful experience. A special thank you to all who worked behind and in front the scenes to bring this vision to life, including Dean Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD, NNP, FNAP, FAAN; keynote speaker Ernest Grant, PhD, DSc(h), RN, FADLN, FAAN; storyteller and comedian They, Them, Ty; the SEI Council; restorative practices facilitators; communications team; and so many others.
Here’s to continuing to strengthen our roots so that, together, we can bear even greater fruit. We invite the UMSON community to stop by Suite 518 to attach leaves to our Community Commitment Tree. Together, we can celebrate our shared commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and connected UMSON community.