It's time to pause and catch our breath. As 2021 draws to a close, we prepare to flip the calendar and begin a fresh start. Yet, so many of the strains of these last two years continue to affect our lives. At Tippie, we’ve hustled and innovated and dug deeper than ever before. You have too. 

Where does the strength to do more during times of exhaustion come from? In August, I decided to explore this question with a personal experiment. Despite the fact I’d never run more than a mile, I signed up for a half marathon in February. I didn’t do it because I suddenly loved running (I’ve never done it!) or was getting any younger. I did it to see if I could. 

I still don’t know whether I’ll complete the upcoming race. But I’ve learned so much along the journey. First, having a north star goal provides clarity and motivation, which is necessary when fatigue sets in. Second, you don’t have to do anything alone. Seeking help, learning from others, and letting them cheer you on gives you capacity to persevere. Third, restoration matters. Whether it is getting the right amount of sleep or pausing for an injury—you can’t accomplish a difficult goal by running non-stop. 

As I’ve slowly built up my mileage, I’ve reflected on the journey of the Tippie community. In 1921, the business school separated from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences to become the College of Commerce. Much of the college’s innovation over the past 100 years is directly due to the support and guidance of our alumni. The innovation in our MBA program, the establishment of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, and our nationally recognized writing and communication curriculum all are directly tied to alumni support. 

Thank you. 

I hope you find plenty to be proud of in these pages and that this is a season of restoration for you and yours. 

Warmly, 

Amy Kristof-Brown
Henry B. Tippie Dean