President's Letter - Spring 2020

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Photo of a student walking by an American flag at Cranbrook Schools, July 2019.

May 21, 2020

Dear Cranbrook Friends and Family,

Warmest greetings. I hope each of you and your families are healthy and well. During these unprecedented times, nothing is more important than those closest to us. This is truly a time to draw together, care for one another, and support those who need it most. We have always been stronger as a group than as individuals, and this has never been more true than right now. Please know that all of us at Cranbrook have you on our minds and send our best wishes for your continued health and safety.

Like many other organizations, Cranbrook is experiencing financial pressure from the pandemic environment. As a result, we are implementing specific actions to reduce our costs where practical. Cranbrook is entering this period of challenge from a position of strength. We have the appropriate staff, faculty, and resources to make sure that this institution continues beyond what this pandemic brings. We also are stepping up our fundraising efforts to support the financial aid needs of our students as well as strengthening the long-term viability of our Community. If you would like to support this effort please visit us at www.cranbrook.edu/giving .

This time of year is traditionally one of Cranbrook’s most active, full of academic celebrations, art exhibitions, science field trips, plant sales and the start of our summer tour season. While the ways we connect may have changed, the reason we do so has not. Throughout our history, Cranbrook’s collective spirit of service has burned brightly to bring the best of our community to the Cranbrook family and our many diverse friends. Today is no different. Simply, put, we are here for you, always.

While the Cranbrook campus is closed, I want to personally invite you to engage with and enjoy our many virtual offerings. Whether it’s “Science on the Screen,” Mini-Maker Mondays, live lectures and tours, online instruction for students (including first-generation, college-bound students) and artists, or gardening resources, the wonder of Cranbrook remains available - wherever your “here” may be.

I hope you find enjoyment and inspiration in these online learning resources and please check back often for updates. Our staff and volunteers continue to collaborate on new ways to share the Cranbrook experience with you while at home. Also, please know that our team is hard at work developing ways to keep you and your family safe when conditions allow us to welcome you back to the campus.

I often find myself thinking about the history of our extraordinary community that is Cranbrook, and all that has taken place in the world since our founders George and Ellen Booth first put a shovel in the ground here more than 100 years ago. Two world wars, other global conflicts, a pandemic in 1918 and several periods of economic turmoil. Also during this time, though, the auto industry hit its stride, American art and culture emerged on the world stage, and man walked on the moon. It may, in fact, surprise you to learn that the magnificent Kingswood facility was built during the Great Depression. Together, we will survive this current challenge, learn from it, and become an even stronger community. Cranbrook has done it before and will do it again.

On behalf of all of us at Cranbrook, thank you for all that you do to make our community a strong, inspiring beacon of hope, creativity, and education. A particular thanks to those of you who supported scholarships for students and artists during the recent virtual Kaleidoscope and STUDIO events. Both of these digital gatherings were wonderful celebrations of the resilience and commitment shared by all of you, our closest friends and supporters. Thank you so very much.

Please continue to stay well and feel free to contact me if you would like to have a conversation about anything happening at Cranbrook. I would welcome your call. I hope you have a happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Thank you for being a part of Cranbrook Educational Community.

Sincerely,