Dean's Corner: Minnesota Needs CLA

On Thursday, May 7, I participated in the University’s Arts, Sciences, and Engineering Graduate Student Commencement – a joyful milestone for 600+ graduate students from the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science and Engineering. Then, on Sunday, May 17, we did it again, hosting back to back Commencement ceremonies for our 3,000+ undergraduate students. 

Between the two days, there were selfies galore, ribbons of gold streamers, and countless hugs from proud family members and friends. (We captured some of these iconic moments and shared our favorites on the college’s Facebook.) 

There were also words of encouragement. 

President Rebecca Cunningham shared, “The spirit that gave such warmth to your relationships, and such spark and drive to your work, is now your spirit. Let that Minnesota spirit give life to all that you do in the years to come.” 

Alumni speaker Scott Z. Burns implored, “Allow your questions to guide you toward meaningful work in the world. Use them as a shield to protect you from the superstitions that slow human progress. Employ them to build a more just society where stereotypes are replaced with consideration and understanding.” Spirit and curiosity; two cornerstones of a liberal arts education.

Both days were a celebration of our entire CLA community, and a boon for the state of Minnesota.

As one of the state’s largest colleges, CLA plays a vital role in educating and preparing Minnesota’s workforce. Today’s CLA students are tomorrow’s teachers, physicians, entrepreneurs, artists, researchers, public servants, journalists and community leaders – people who will shape the future of Minnesota in every sector of society. Every year, thousands of CLA graduates step into the world as engaged and informed citizens, poised to contribute in meaningful ways wherever their careers and lives may take them. What a win for our great state.

Minnesota has always needed CLA, and this month’s Alma Matters demonstrates why. In these stories, you will meet graduating seniors preparing to launch their careers, graduate students whose scholarship is helping shape our future, and alumni whose work continues to influence conversations around the world. 

Together, they reflect the many ways a liberal arts education equips students with the curiosity, creativity, and compassion needed to strengthen communities across Minnesota and beyond.

Thank you for being a part of the CLA community, and for your support of students, faculty, staff, and programs that make our work possible. Minnesota’s future is brighter because of this community and because of you.

As one of the largest colleges in the state, CLA prepares Minnesota’s workforce and cultivates the informed, curious, and engaged citizens our communities need.