Dear Fellow Friars,
I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Abbot for Fall, 2011. I know that I have big shoes to fill, of many who have come before me, and I am grateful for the many Friars that today I can look up to who have paved the way in this role throughout the years.
Words cannot express the gratitude that we feel towards everyone who was able to join us last April to celebrate our Centennial and to everyone who also celebrated with us from wherever they may be, who were here in spirit. Each of you made that weekend such a memorable and moving experience for all of us. The Centennial Celebration not only allowed us to celebrate the last 100 years and all of the individuals who have paved the road throughout the years to be where we are today, but it was also an opportunity to bring us closer together, renew our commitment to our group and individual purposes, and the opportunity start conversations for the future of our organization.
In my role as Abbot I am anxious and looking forward to keeping alive the conversations that were started at our Centennial and to remaining in touch with you. You can look forward to receiving the friar Forum via e-mail to stay updated with the latest information about the cloister. Additionally, I encourage you to browse through our newly updated website thanks to the work of Friar Kevin Tuerff and his team at EnviroMedia. This semester we are also continuing our efforts to remain connected through the use of various means of social media. If you haven’t done so already, please follow us on Twitter at @UTFriarSociety and visit our Friar Society Facebook Page for frequent updates and pictures from Friar events. Both of these pages can be accessed whether you are a member of either social media website or not.
Along with the rest of our Fall 2011 Friar officers, we are working to form our inaugural Friar Alumni Advisory Committee and to find new ways to keep us connected to the cloister throughout the year. We are also solidifying plans for our Fall 2011 Friar Reunion Weekend to be held on November 5 & 6, 2011, when we will come together to continue the celebration of our history on the 40 Acres and continue to be inspired by the accomplishments and journeys of Friar alumni, actives, and initiates.
I look forward to being in contact with you this semester from wherever you may be, and to seeing many of you in November!
Pax Vobiscum,
Cecilia Lopez
Abbot, Fall 2011