Three things for March 26
1. Dr. Walker provides various campus updates in latest Q&A
On Thursday, March 25, Dr. Mark Walker sent a mass email to Lee students, providing updates on various aspects of campus life through a Q&A with Vice President for Enrollment Phil Cook.
First, Walker provided an update to COVID-19 numbers across campus. Lee currently has 10 active COVID cases and 20 people in quarantine. Cases have averaged around 20 cases per day.
“It’s been a wonderful semester in terms of keeping those numbers low,” Dr. Walker said.
According to Walker, Lee athletics has experienced great success over the spring semester, including impressive accomplishments from the men and women’s track team, men and women’s basketball teams, women’s soccer team and baseball team.
Walker also discussed summer school, the virtual Lee Day in April, plans for spring commencement and the fall semester and Dr. Walker’s presidential inauguration, which will happen during chapel on April 22.
Walker concluded the Q&A by wishing students a wonderful spring break and reminded them, “Have fun on spring break but be safe. Be smart, make good choices — get rest.”
2. Biden holds first presidential press conference
On Thursday, March 25, President Joe Biden held his first presidential conference. He discussed topics ranging from American troops in Afghanistan to COVID-19 vaccinations.
NBC News reports Biden started his press conference by updating his goal of COVID vaccinations to 200 million in his first 100 days. His previous goal was 100 million vaccinations.
Biden also said that while it would be “hard to hit the May 1 deadline” for getting American troops out of Afghanistan, the deadline set by former President Donald Trump, he does not believe troops will still be there by next year.
In addition, Biden addressed the topic of immigration and discussed current negotiations with Mexico about migrant families, saying, “I think we’re going to see that change. They should all be going back. All be going back. The only people we’re not going to let sit there on the other side of the Rio Grande by themselves with no help are children.”
Biden also addressed issues concerning voter suppression laws within the country, saying, “What I’m worried about is how un-American this whole initiative is. It’s sick.”
As of right now, Biden expects to run for reelection in 2024.
3. Jessica Walter dies at 80
Jessica Walter, a well-established actress known for her role as Lucille Bluth in “Arrested Development,” passed away on Thursday, March 25, at the age of 80.
Walter’s death was confirmed by her publicist, Kelli Jones, and her daughter, Brooke Bowman. Neither confirmation listed a cause of death.
Walter’s career was long and successful. She had over 150 credits under her name, according to the New York Times.
On Twitter, several people have come forward to remember the actress, including her “Arrested Development” co-star Tony Hale, who said, “She was a force, and her talent and timing were unmatched.”
