The 2022-2023 collaborative theme of Purpose, Empowerment, and Persistence represents three critical facets of student success. We’ve tried to empower students and support their academic and social development to help them persist and meet their goals. Our intent with this theme has been to connect students to peers, faculty, student services, the broader campus, and Winona communities. We’ve tried to help garner a sense of student identity and purpose through Welcome Week activities and t-shirts, an OR 100 module and presentation, sticker campaign, hosting keynote speaker Dr. Delana Smith of the Red Lake Nation, collaboration with the Common Book, Film Series, and Ted Talk Series, and faculty development activities.