Alma Matters December 2024 Newsletter
GerShun Avilez (jer-SHUN ah-VEE-lez) believes the liberal arts are about much more than academics—they’re about equipping students to think critically and engage meaningfully with their communities. As the new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and a self-described "student of the world," he is eager to bring this philosophy to life, emphasizing student success, community engagement, and the stories that connect us.
Read this month's feature story, Meet Dean GerShun Avilez.
Dean's Corner
"I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. It is both an honor and a privilege to lead a college with such a rich legacy of intellectual excellence, creativity, and service to society. As I step into this role, I am deeply mindful of the powerful community of alumni who have come before me—individuals who have shaped not only CLA but the world at large."
Stories & More
As a CLA alum, you have so much wisdom to share. Dean GerShun Avilez joined last month, and who better to help welcome him than the alumni who know and love this college? Your experiences can offer valuable insights as he begins his tenure. Share a welcoming message with GerShun Avilez.
Our CLA alumni volunteers are a driving force of change and support at CLA. A big thank you to the 400+ alumni who generously gave their time in 2024. Your hearts of gold (and maroon!) make all the difference. Read about four incredible CLA volunteers.
Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academic and Advising Program; they were awarded the Outstanding Unit Award from the University’s Office for Equity and Diversity last month. MLK Program Wins Outstanding Unit Award for Equity and Diversity.
Brenda Sanchez Murillo (BA ‘18, sociology and political science) pursued her majors as a way to comprehensively understand inequalities around her. Alumni Reflections: Brenda Sanchez Murillo.
Christopher Apfelbach (Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences) describes his research specialty on the physiology of the speech system, his teaching philosophy, and his enthusiasm for mentoring. Meet New Assistant Professor Christopher Apfelbach.
Anthropology graduate student Deniz Coral-Irwin talks about her internship at Metro Transit. “I wanted to have work experience outside of academia before graduating.” Research on the Move: Deniz Coral-Irwin’s Internship at Metro Transit.
The new postdoc in the Department of History brings expertise on the Horn of Africa and insights into imperialism and law from her Harvard PhD and JD. Iman Mohamed: President's Postdoctoral Fellow.
More stories featuring Dean GerShun Avilez
Front Page News
Check out these recent headlines highlighting how the liberal arts are not only the heart of the University, but more critical than ever for understanding the world and our place in it.
Professor Douglas Hartmann (sociology) is quoted in this Minnesota Daily story on how activists use symbols to spread awareness for their causes.
“[AI] is happening across CLA, it’s happening in journalism and it’s happening in statistics,” shares Professor Galin Jones (statistics) for MinnPost.
Professor Lisa Hilbink (political science) finds that, with no limits on tenure for justices, the US is an outlier compared to other democracies in this piece for the Brennan Center for Justice.
Director of the Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute and economics professor Kjetil Storesletten weighs in for WalletHub.
Professors Daniel Greenberg (art history) and Dwight Lewis, Jr. (philosophy) inspired the “Layers of Joy” exhibit which explores joy as a form of resistance through the lens of five local artists (MinnPost).
Thank you for Giving to the Max!
On Thursday, Nov. 21, you helped CLA raise $33,490 across all of the college's giving campaigns. Missed out? Don't worry, gifts are still being accepted: z.umn.edu/clagtmd.
