Widener

Looking Ahead

Spring, 2009

Dear Widener student,

As we approach the end of the Fall Semester, I am writing to convey several important messages about where we have been together this semester, where we are, and what lies ahead.

The semester has been an exciting and action-filled time for our university, our country and our world.  Much of the excitement we have experienced has come from positive things, but a significant amount has also come from challenges we have faced.  I hope that you can now successfully focus on academic concerns, finish your semester on a positive note, and enjoy a refreshing semester break.  While we all cope with the stresses of current economic challenges, we look forward to a new year filled with hope.

One major highlight of the Fall Semester was the historic presidential election that we just concluded.  We engaged in debates together and learned a lot from that process.  While many celebrated the election of Senator Obama as president, we also experienced incidents motivated by bias and intolerance.  Although these incidents have regretfully impacted our community, they have been addressed through university procedures.  As our mission statement declares, we are committed to developing a university community whose diversity enriches the lives of all members and where our students are prepared for living in a pluralistic and ever-changing world.

Soon after you return to campus in January, we will celebrate Pride Week, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, and Inauguration Day.  There will be many opportunities to come together to enjoy and learn from these historic events.  We will be communicating these to you through various media, and I encourage you to actively engage in these programs.  During semester break, I hope that you will take time to reflect upon how you can be involved in learning about diversity topics within and beyond the classroom, and how these opportunities for multicultural appreciation can enrich your life and better prepare you to serve your community after graduation.  It is central to Widener’s mission to connect curricula to social issues through civic engagement.  With all of these events happening next month, here’s your opportunity:  Don’t just study it.  Experience it!

Best wishes for an enjoyable semester break, and a successful Spring Semester.

Sincerely,

Kirk A. Manning, Ed.D.
Associate Provost and Dean of Students