Dean's Message - February 2024
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As we navigate through the month of February, I find myself reflecting on themes of love, basketball, and dark chocolate. Allow me to delve into my musings.
Love, often associated with Valentine's Day, took on a new meaning for me after attending a lecture by LaTosha Brown from Harvard earlier this semester. Brown eloquently redefined love as an acronym embodying principles essential for advancing humanity: Leadership, Opportunities, Vision, and Earnestness. In higher education, we must exemplify leadership by driving positive change for all. Providing opportunities for growth and learning fosters collective advancement. Maintaining a bold vision enables us to dream and strive for excellence. Every individual deserves to feel valued and respected, hence the importance of earnestness in our endeavors. At UMass, these principles resonate deeply in our commitment to fostering inclusivity, promoting dialogue, offering enriching opportunities, and crafting a forward-thinking strategic plan. We aspire to be leaders who dare to dream big, effecting meaningful change in the world for the betterment of all.
On to basketball—a passion of mine despite being the proud parent of a former Division 1 lacrosse athlete. Throughout February, my partner and I immerse ourselves in the excitement of college basketball, cheering for our alma maters and, of course, UMass. It's a time when the game serves as a welcome distraction from the world's happenings. I admire the dedication of players who excel at such a high level, balancing athletics, academics, and independent living. Their commitment enriches our university experience and workplace, reminding us to appreciate their contributions.
Finally, dark chocolate—a guilty pleasure that aligns surprisingly well with my nutritionist's sensibilities. While I advocate for mindful consumption of discretionary calories, dark chocolate holds a special place in my heart. Its myriad benefits, including antioxidants and minerals, make indulging in it a guilt-free pleasure. Thankfully, the abundance of dark chocolate during the Valentine's season helps me maintain my blood pressure while cheering on my favorite basketball teams.
In sharing these reflections, I hope you've gained a glimpse into what drives and inspires me. Let's continue to embody love, embrace the excitement of sports, and savor life's simple pleasures, like a square of dark chocolate.
Students, here is my pitch to encourage you: Take advantage of all of that we offer in the school as you pursue your big dreams and strive for your own excellence. The SPHHS Career Fair, organized by the SPHHS Office of Career Planning, is coming up on March 6th. Additionally, we hope you will work with your faculty mentor to submit an abstract for Research Day being held on April 17th. Opportunity awaits!