Branford Dean Daniel Tauss will step down from his position at the end of the 2009-’10 academic year, he announced in an e-mail to Branford students this afternoon. Tauss did not provide an explanation for his departure. Tauss began his deanship at the start of the 2007-’08 academic year.

From: “Daniel Tauss” <daniel.tauss@yale.edu>

Date: November 17, 2009 2:28:06 PM EST

To: “All Branford Students” <itscomm2@yale.edu>

Subject: Your Dean and next year

Dearest Branfordians,

It is with great regret that I announce my departure as Dean of Branford College at the end of this year. It has been a true honor serving as your dean for the past several years, and I can think of no group of people with whom I would rather spend my time. Getting to know so many of you as individuals, as well as living together in the spirit that is Branford– you have never ceased to amaze me. The tremendous ways in which you succeed in and out of the classroom. Your efforts to make Yale, New Haven, and the whole world better places. Your care for one another. Your passion, humor, and intellect. We have said it before, and you will hear it again – you are truly in the greatest residential college in the greatest university in the world. Savor your time here, and make it something meaningful for you as you reluctantly depart from this place. I know it will be for me.

I know you will all continue to flourish in the years ahead, and I look forward to hearing about your adventures and achievements as you go off and do Branford proud. I am not sure where I will be next year, but this time in Branford will be a precious memory I will take with me wherever I go. I am deeply comforted by the fact that you remain in the very capable hands of Master Smith and Susan, Alicia and Joan, Ian and Tom, not to mention all the other wonderful people who work so hard to make this place run so effortlessly.

Thank you for your kindness, enthusiasm, and just plain fun. I of course will be seeing you throughout the year through the spring. In the meantime, enjoy your well-earned breaks, hopefully filled with family, friends, filling food – and a Yale victory, of course. Take good care of yourself and those around you, as you can always be counted on to do, in the great spirit of Branfordians everywhere. I look forward to seeing you well-rested when you return.

All my best,

Dan Tauss