Lester, Your leadership has made a difference to thousands of students and cadets, and they have spread that influence all over the world! Thank you for all you have done, we wish you the best! LTC Allana Bryant
Lester, It's been a privilege working with you in the Provost's office the past four years, and the impact you've had will continue for a very long time. I wish you the all the best as you return to your academic roots.
Lester, you have been a great friend to me, to the university, and to good causes great and small. I've learned an enormous amount from you over the years, about music, about how to get things done, and about hair dryers, among many other things. We will continue to be friends, and I'll continue to learn from you, and so will new generations of students.
Thank you for all of your efforts. My primary interaction with you has occurred on the University’s Diversity Council. In that capacity, I have seen multiple examples of your leadership, collaboration, and engagement. It has been a pleasure working with you, and I wish you all of the best!
Darren L. Nealy Director of Student Services University of Michigan Law School
Lester, it has always been great working with you. Thank you for being such a great central administration champion for so many important efforts -- from the arts to the undergraduate intercultural experience and so much in between -- that otherwise would have been less ably championed, or championed not at all. Your contributions to our University community have been outstanding. Good luck and have fun with your research, and I hope there will be some opportunities for us to work together again. All the best,
Lester, I am extremely appreciative of your commitment and efforts in ensuring that diversity efforts have been supported. Your support and contributions has been integral to the success of many programs and offerings that has significantly benefited the entire campus community. On a personal note, as a fellow University of Nebraska-Lincoln alum, I have always enjoyed having the ability to talk to you about our shared passion for the Huskers (Go Big Red!). I hope our paths will continue to pass as you take on your new role as I value your leadership and positive spirit. All the best to you! Sincerely, Nina
Dear Lester, Thank you for your friendship, encouragement, and support over a range of issues. Your efforts to promote diversity and multi-cultural affairs have been widely and deeply felt by all. So many have benefitted, and indeed, many more will continue to do so. Look forward to welcoming you back to home base! -Sincerely, Meilu
On behalf of the Spectrum Center and also from me personally, thank you for ALWAYS thinking about how diversity impacts ALL students--your commitment to social justice and the equity of all people is something that will never be forgotten- You search for peace everywhere and speak the truth with respect and civility to get us there---Thank you
OOps, posted this in the wrong place: Without CWPS, I would have lost my mind, especially when I was struggling to get tenure here. So much of what you've done for the U of M has affected very positively my experience here. Thank you!!!
Lester, You richly deserve the gratitude of the campus community for all you have contributed to the University of Michigan during your time here. Your fingerprints are all over the university, and your legacy is great.
Speaking personally, I enjoyed getting to know you better during our time together on the College Board committee, and I have valued your wise counsel. Thanks for being a wonderful example of passionate and effective leadership. Also please know that your efforts have left a lasting mark on all those you have touched over the years.
I have not forgotten my first meeting with you, when we compared genealogies of trumpet teachers and discovered that we had Frank Baird in common. Nor will I forget being at the powwow and thinking "that videographer with the great set-up looks just like... hey, it IS Lester!" Nor will I forget all the support--front and center and backstage--that you provided to all of us in American Culture as we grew a series of excellent Ethnic Studies programs within the broad context of American Studies. Nor the many committee meetings we've been in together, advancing so many of the higher education goals that we hold dear and in common. Nor those sweater vests that you wear so well (I now have one of my own!).
So many of us on campus have so many fond memories of the times we've turned to you for sage advice, a little extra fiscal boost, a good solid laugh, and some encouragement to continue on. You have been a role model, a mentor, a mover and a shaker, and I know I'm not the only one who will dearly miss your presence in the Fleming Building... or the only one who will share your joy in returning to music, that first love that is so hard to shake.
Sir, Your leadership has touched the lives of countless young men and women (as well as some of us older ones) in Air Force ROTC. Your good deeds and strong advocacy will not be lightly forgotten. Thank you for all that you have done for this university and your nation. Lt Col Bob Bement, USAF
Dear Lester, You were the first person I met from the Provost's Office when I joined the U-M! Your advocacy and support for international education played a critical role in scaling up our programs and participation across campus. Thank you for establishing the original U-M Study Abroad Council and developing the group into our current Council on Global Engagement. You created a strong legacy of international collaboration and helped us reach more students in areas such as the fine arts, the professional schools and our STEM fields. I learned much from you during my time as CGE Chair. A sincere thanks for all of your advice along the way. Amy
Your regular reply to questions about how you are doing or how things are going is, "good good". That simple word "good", captures so much of what you do: the wonderful and very hard work you do to address racism and create community; the support and wise counsel you give to students, faculty, and staff; the commitment to principle that underlies all you do; the joy with which you share music. I will miss your steady presence and hope that all will be good as you renew your connections in the music world.
Thank you so much for all that you have done to help foster a diverse and exciting environment at the College of Literature, Sciences, and the Arts. I have very much enjoyed working with you on faculty recruitments. Your dedicated, helpful, and quick responses made my job and those of our Chairs and faculty so much easier. Your presence will be missed!
Enjoy your next phase of life and the communities you continue to create!
Lester, You have been the conscience of the University for a great many years. Ready to talk and work with anyone and everyone, steadfast and tireless as the leader for a multicultural university, supportive and encouraging of students, faculty, and staff alike, your insightful, creative, and wise leadership has made Michigan the standard across the nation. Throughout all the complexities of working in a high-powered, high-stress environment, you have maintained your core values and deep humanity, along with a wonderful sense of humor. On behalf of the Michigan Community Scholars Program, I want to extend thanks from all of us for your consistent support, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Our students have loved getting to know you, and they have been deeply inspired by you. On a personal note, I am very proud to have served on your selection committee to bring you to UM and am thankful to have found a colleague and friend for whom I have such great respect and admiration. David Schoem
Congrats, Lester!
ReplyDeleteLester, Your leadership has made a difference to thousands of students and cadets, and they have spread that influence all over the world! Thank you for all you have done, we wish you the best! LTC Allana Bryant
ReplyDeleteLester, It's been a privilege working with you in the Provost's office the past four years, and the impact you've had will continue for a very long time. I wish you the all the best as you return to your academic roots.
ReplyDelete--Martha
Lester, you have been a great friend to me, to the university, and to good causes great and small. I've learned an enormous amount from you over the years, about music, about how to get things done, and about hair dryers, among many other things. We will continue to be friends, and I'll continue to learn from you, and so will new generations of students.
ReplyDelete--Paul
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTo Senior Vice Provost, Lester Monts:
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of your efforts. My primary interaction with you has occurred on the University’s Diversity Council. In that capacity, I have seen multiple examples of your leadership, collaboration, and engagement. It has been a pleasure working with you, and I wish you all of the best!
Darren L. Nealy
Director of Student Services
University of Michigan Law School
Lester, it has always been great working with you. Thank you for being such a great central administration champion for so many important efforts -- from the arts to the undergraduate intercultural experience and so much in between -- that otherwise would have been less ably championed, or championed not at all. Your contributions to our University community have been outstanding. Good luck and have fun with your research, and I hope there will be some opportunities for us to work together again. All the best,
ReplyDeleteGary
Lester, I am extremely appreciative of your commitment and efforts in ensuring that diversity efforts have been supported. Your support and contributions has been integral to the success of many programs and offerings that has significantly benefited the entire campus community. On a personal note, as a fellow University of Nebraska-Lincoln alum, I have always enjoyed having the ability to talk to you about our shared passion for the Huskers (Go Big Red!). I hope our paths will continue to pass as you take on your new role as I value your leadership and positive spirit. All the best to you! Sincerely, Nina
ReplyDeleteBest wishes as you transition into a new role on campus. Your work and example has been extraordinary.
ReplyDeleteTrina
Dear Lester, Thank you for your friendship, encouragement, and support over a range of issues. Your efforts to promote diversity and multi-cultural affairs have been widely and deeply felt by all. So many have benefitted, and indeed, many more will continue to do so. Look forward to welcoming you back to home base! -Sincerely, Meilu
ReplyDeleteLester,
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of the Spectrum Center and also from me personally, thank you for ALWAYS thinking about how diversity impacts ALL students--your commitment to social justice and the equity of all people is something that will never be forgotten- You search for peace everywhere and speak the truth with respect and civility to get us there---Thank you
OOps, posted this in the wrong place: Without CWPS, I would have lost my mind, especially when I was struggling to get tenure here. So much of what you've done for the U of M has affected very positively my experience here. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteLester,
ReplyDeleteYou richly deserve the gratitude of the campus community for all you have contributed to the University of Michigan during your time here. Your fingerprints are all over the university, and your legacy is great.
Speaking personally, I enjoyed getting to know you better during our time together on the College Board committee, and I have valued your wise counsel. Thanks for being a wonderful example of passionate and effective leadership. Also please know that your efforts have left a lasting mark on all those you have touched over the years.
Thanks for everything!
Ed
Lester,
ReplyDeleteI have not forgotten my first meeting with you, when we compared genealogies of trumpet teachers and discovered that we had Frank Baird in common. Nor will I forget being at the powwow and thinking "that videographer with the great set-up looks just like... hey, it IS Lester!" Nor will I forget all the support--front and center and backstage--that you provided to all of us in American Culture as we grew a series of excellent Ethnic Studies programs within the broad context of American Studies. Nor the many committee meetings we've been in together, advancing so many of the higher education goals that we hold dear and in common. Nor those sweater vests that you wear so well (I now have one of my own!).
So many of us on campus have so many fond memories of the times we've turned to you for sage advice, a little extra fiscal boost, a good solid laugh, and some encouragement to continue on. You have been a role model, a mentor, a mover and a shaker, and I know I'm not the only one who will dearly miss your presence in the Fleming Building... or the only one who will share your joy in returning to music, that first love that is so hard to shake.
Hoka hey!!
Phil
Sir,
ReplyDeleteYour leadership has touched the lives of countless young men and women (as well as some of us older ones) in Air Force ROTC. Your good deeds and strong advocacy will not be lightly forgotten. Thank you for all that you have done for this university and your nation.
Lt Col Bob Bement, USAF
Dear Lester,
ReplyDeleteYou were the first person I met from the Provost's Office when I joined the U-M! Your advocacy and support for international education played a critical role in scaling up our programs and participation across campus. Thank you for establishing the original U-M Study Abroad Council and developing the group into our current Council on Global Engagement. You created a strong legacy of international collaboration and helped us reach more students in areas such as the fine arts, the professional schools and our STEM fields. I learned much from you during my time as CGE Chair.
A sincere thanks for all of your advice along the way.
Amy
Lester,
ReplyDeleteYour regular reply to questions about how you are doing or how things are going is, "good good". That simple word "good", captures so much of what you do: the wonderful and very hard work you do to address racism and create community; the support and wise counsel you give to students, faculty, and staff; the commitment to principle that underlies all you do; the joy with which you share music. I will miss your steady presence and hope that all will be good as you renew your connections in the music world.
With grateful thanks,
Catherine
Lester,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all that you have done to help foster a diverse and exciting environment at the College of Literature, Sciences, and the Arts. I have very much enjoyed working with you on faculty recruitments. Your dedicated, helpful, and quick responses made my job and those of our Chairs and faculty so much easier. Your presence will be missed!
Enjoy your next phase of life and the communities you continue to create!
Twila
Lester,
ReplyDeleteYou have been the conscience of the University for a great many years. Ready to talk and work with anyone and everyone, steadfast and tireless as the leader for a multicultural university, supportive and encouraging of students, faculty, and staff alike, your insightful, creative, and wise leadership has made Michigan the standard across the nation. Throughout all the complexities of working in a high-powered, high-stress environment, you have maintained your core values and deep humanity, along with a wonderful sense of humor.
On behalf of the Michigan Community Scholars Program, I want to extend thanks from all of us for your consistent support, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Our students have loved getting to know you, and they have been deeply inspired by you.
On a personal note, I am very proud to have served on your selection committee to bring you to UM and am thankful to have found a colleague and friend for whom I have such great respect and admiration.
David Schoem