Dean's Corner | Civic Engagement
This is the last time I will write the “Dean’s Corner” segment for Alma Matters. It is bittersweet. Long ago (indeed, in the last century) when I was considering becoming an associate dean, I spoke to a friend who is a faculty member at another university, who said “You are lucky to be at a university that you think is worthy of your time.” I pondered that, and took the job.
I still think the University of Minnesota is worthy of my time, and is worthy of our time.
On November 25, GerShun Avilez will become dean of CLA. Professor Avilez is a dynamic scholar who is coming to Minnesota from the University of Maryland. I am confident that CLA will thrive under his leadership and I am sure that you will welcome him with the same generosity and warmth that you have shown me.
We in CLA are always interested in the ways in which a liberal arts education fosters civic engagement. But in these times, the question is even more pressing than usual. In this issue of Alma Matters, we look at some of the intersections between the liberal arts and civic engagement. The liberal arts encourage us to examine the world we live in through multiple lenses.
I invite you to read about:
- University student body president Rahma Ali (BA ‘25), a leader and global scholar (with a most impressive resume) who specifically sought out a liberal arts degree to prepare for medical school.
- Four members of the CLA community–three staff and one alum–who have made the decision to serve their communities as election judges. Maybe their contributions will inspire you to become an election judge, too.
- CLA faculty in the news for their election expertise, upcoming opportunities hosted by the University related to civic engagement, and CLA-specific events including the Department of Political Science’s Views from the U.
Many thanks to you, our engaged alumni, for continuing to exemplify the spirit of civic engagement and intellectual curiosity that defines our CLA community. I encourage you to stay involved, stay informed, and continue to use the tools you gained here to make a positive impact in the coming weeks, and beyond.
I began on a personal note, and I’d like to end on one. This November, the School of Music is presenting an English-language version of one of my very favorite Chinese novels, the Dream of the Red Chamber. Their last performance coincides with my last day as dean, which I regard as a splendid farewell. If you want to learn more about the novel (and my obsessive engagement with it) you can check out Dream of the Red Chamber. And if you are interested in seeing the performance, information about tickets is available at University Opera Theatre to Premiere Chamber Orchestral Version of Dream of the Red Chamber.
Gratefully,
Ann
