Dear Colleagues and Friends,
The letter at the end of the academic year is usually a difficult one to write. This year, I believe we will struggle to summarize our experiences, as it will take time and thoughtful reflection. What I do know is, the year was not lost. We have overcome difficult situations, discovered joy in places we never thought, and have much to celebrate for the division.
In honesty, I don’t want us to return to normal. The lessons we’ve learned and the social justice movements that continue to empower the BIPOC community should be sustained until there is full equality. Society’s success is contingent on this, and I know our disciplines will remain at the forefront of both ensuring an understanding of the pain felt in the past and present, and creating a future based on empathy and compassion.
Institutionally, we are finally ready to complete our move into the North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood. I can think of no greater way to return to campus than by returning, safely, with all of you to our new location — one that centers Arts and Humanities on campus in a way we’ve never experienced before. I cannot stress how symbolic this is: we are taking our rightful seat at the table.
We also celebrate our alumni, two in particular this year: Anna Thorvaldsdottir ’11 of Music and Lauren Yee ’12 of Theatre and Dance. It was an honor to attend the university-wide Alumni Awards, as our esteemed alumni receive the accolades they so duly deserve.
It is fitting to end the academic year with celebrating alumni. The graduating students in Arts and Humanities who will don their caps and gowns at commencement join a diverse and dynamic community who push for change, and elevate all of us to create a future they know they deserve. Our faculty have prepared them well. I thank you all for your dedication and care.
Dean Cristina Della Coletta
UC San Diego Division of Arts and Humanities