I got five and a possible

Dear Cardinals,

True confession:  My Spades game is mid, but I love to play anyway! 

If you’ve ever played Spades, you know it’s rarely just about the cards. For me it is about the jokes, the trash talk, the dramatic card slams, and the quiet calculations happening behind the scenes. On the surface, it might look like everyone is just playing for fun, but anyone who knows the game understands that winning requires far more than luck. It’s about strategy, intuition, timing, and the unspoken rhythm between you and your partner.

When you play Spades, you look at your hand and make a bid based on what you believe you can accomplish. You study what others put down. You pay attention to the flow of the game. And you make decisions that aren’t just about the current book—they’re about the entire path to victory. Even when you’re not sure what’s coming next, you must think and play strategically.

This week, I want you to think about your semester the same way. College isn’t about hoping things fall into place. It’s about intention. Just like in Spades, you must consider your goals, your workload, your strengths, and the challenges you anticipate. That’s your “hand.” And how you choose to play it will shape the semester ahead. So, take a moment to ask yourself: What’s my strategy? How am I approaching my classes, my time, and my responsibilities? Am I playing for fun—or am I playing to win? And who’s your partner?!!

Winning isn’t just about what’s in your hand; it’s about who’s sitting at the table with you.  Your partner anticipates and supports your next move and will even save you when the game gets tight. College works the same way. Whether your partner is a friend who knows how to keep you grounded, a classmate who studies with you, a professor who mentors you,  a staff member who helps you, or a campus support office that helps steady your academic game, it's important that you recognize the power of a good partner.

Cardinals, this is week 3.  Pull up a seat. You hold all the cards, and you have a hand full of possibilities, a semester full of potential. Play with purpose. Play with confidence. And most of all—play to win.

And yeah, don’t be like me, make all the books!

– President Schrader