Graduation, as we all know, truly is one of the most important and revered times on the academic calendar. It is an opportunity for us to celebrate and honor our students for the completion of their studies and, for the graduates themselves, it is the realization of a milestone that they have worked toward their entire lives. This week, as members of our Spring 2021 cohort begin to reflect on their college years while making or even finalizing post-graduate plans, graduates will bask in well-earned kudos from family and friends on their achievements.
Category Archives: Faculty
In solidarity with Spartans and their families around the world impacted by COVID-19
Recent reports from the news media have described a tragic COVID-19 crisis unfolding throughout India, one involving human suffering and pain both within the country itself as well as with victims’ family members and friends around the world. This includes a significant population of Asian Indian internationals and Asian Indian Americans who are a part of the SJSU community.
My own “legacy of poetry” and its enduring significance
With SJSU’s week-long Legacy of Poetry 2021 celebration kicking off next week, I recently began to reflect on my own deep affection for poetry and its relevance in today’s world. Many readers will know instinctively why I enjoy engaging on this subject. My academic studies focused on the well-known poets of the late 16th and early 17th century Renaissance era, and my love and appreciation for those poets and their works since I first was introduced to them as a college student many years ago has never diminished.
Latest updates on our efforts to address systemic racism at SJSU
Many of us are reeling and distraught, and others are also on edge as the trial involving the killing of George Floyd continues to unfold. In this context, and as I noted in a December 2020 message, we are committed to developing tangible, actionable plans on issues surrounding systemic racism. Today, I write to offer an update on the efforts and actions we have taken at SJSU to address anti-Black systemic racism on our campus.
Emancipatory learning approach helping students “reap the full benefit of an empowering education”
Recently I had the opportunity to offer welcome remarks at the kickoff event for our Lurie College of Education’s new Emancipatory Education Speaker Series, which focuses on a “post-COVID-19 education system.” What an important and timely initiative! After listening to the first speaker, Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, I quickly realized how well-aligned this series is with San José State values, our academic goals and our Transformation 2030 strategic plan.