Best of 2023
![Portrait of James Parente](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/James%20Parente%20870x580.jpg?h=4d0641df&itok=ZQNEWnUn)
James Parente turned an early love of learning into a long career in higher education. Now the retiring former dean reflects on what he’s learned along the way.
![Portrait of Michael Lower](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/Michael%20Lower%20870x580.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=0LSw2KpC)
Prof. Michael Lower discusses how a love of soccer led him to research the legendary Jewish sports club Hakoah and how they triumphed and survived in the face of overwhelming prejudice.
![Melanie Johnson engages in conversation with MLK Jr. Program leaders and students](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/Melanie%20Johnson.png?h=2d235432&itok=Hn5OFn5j)
Since 2016, Melanie Johnson has been a part of CLA—showing up authentically for her students and colleagues while striving to cultivate a beloved community.
![A woman and a male student sit at a table. The woman looks toward the student and smiles with a pencil in her hand.](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/CenterForWriting_870x580.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=XT6p9bYc)
For the past five decades, the Center for Writing has been a dynamic source of support for the University community and beyond.
![Ann Waltner stands in the library, holding an open book and smiling](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/LM_09154-870x580px.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=vlI_yICw)
Dean's Medalist Ann Waltner is creating new knowledge, training the next generation of China scholars, and inspiring her colleagues in CLA and across the university.
![Portrait of Valerie Tiberius](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/Valerie%20Tiberius%20870x580.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=F3LNG98f)
Prof. Valerie Tiberius creates a new course on happiness with a practical approach. For students interested in our wellbeing and the values we apply in our daily lives, it may be what they’re looking for.
The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance welcomed the Royal Shakespeare Company for a three-day residency. Faculty, students, and members of the RSC share about this growing partnership and the lessons taught by this world-renowned theatre company.
Much Ado About Learning: Royal Shakespeare Company Residency on Campus
![The multigenerational cast of Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story poses in the Hub wearing Kumbayah branded t-shirts.](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/Juneteenth%20cast.jpg?h=08b866d1&itok=3LGlxhuR)
The latest Liberal Arts Engagement Hub residency blends local and national history, performance art, storytelling, and Black resistance and brilliance.
![Photo of two people in protective equipment working in a lab](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/Ancient%20Lab%20870x580.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=RWY9Wfn8)
Comparing ancient and modern DNA helps reconstruct histories and draw connections between ancient and modern civilizations, especially in understudied populations.
![Woman wearing a black cap and gown, glasses, and large earrings speaks at a podium](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/lm-05828-870x580px_2.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=T1-03rYi)
Flanagan is currently the highest-ranking Native woman in an executive office. The College of Liberal Arts helped her get to where she is today.
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan Uses Her CLA Degree “Every Single Day”
![Portrait of Anushka Raychaudhuri](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/Women%20in%20Economics%20feature%20image.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=jZwgn2qk)
“It’s great to have someone who can relate with those experiences and makes you feel like you're not alone.” Anushka Raychaudhuri reflects on her experiences in the Women in Economics Program, founded to encourage more women and nonbinary people in the field of economics.
“Like Two Friends Talking”: Women in Economics Provides Approachable and Insightful Mentorship
![Washington Avenue Bridge shot with data lines, points, and bars overlaid.](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/LM10082020-6924-DataLiberalArts-870x580.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=w3LO53II)
As co-chair of the University’s Data Science Initiative (DSI), Galin Jones’ goal is to deepen our knowledge—how we understand the world and improve our society.
![Signpost for the University of Minnesota Biological Station and Laboratories](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/unnamed%20%281%29.jpg?h=242cd5c8&itok=GIGFkz_J)
Five participants reflect on their experiences, projects, and memorable takeaways from the first annual RIDGS Faculty Summer Writing Retreat.
![Marchers with signs at the March on Washington, 1963](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/Voting-DreamInitiative.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=VDz0Gpwe)
The Dream Initiative is a values-based effort that calls on us to show up in our roles, and step up the pace of dreamable endeavors that will propel the Twin Cities region forward.