Message from the Director

May 9, 2012

Dear Friends of the Center,

We are approaching the end of an extraordinary academic year.

It has been gratifying to see such great interest in the many activities organized by the Center, which is increasingly becoming a veritable hub for intellectual exchange and thoughtful discussion. In all, we have welcomed thousands of attendees to events open to the UM family and the general public.

In addition to our academic activities, we have made a concerted effort to extend our reach far beyond the limits of the university to include the broader community of Greater Miami. A particular focus has been our outreach agenda, through which we have successfully engaged children and young people from underprivileged backgrounds to help empower them for the pursuit of original ideas, intellectual curiosity, and brighter futures.

We are taking the lead in exploring new trends that continue to impact Latin America's role in the emerging world of the 21st century. Our Center is actively working to bring together the sciences, the humanities, the business sector, government, and civil society around research and initiatives that are effectively linked to our shared interests.

Building an institution that matters requires the boldness to set an intellectual agenda and to convene the right people to a place where ideas can take flight. Our goal is to understand Latin America and the Caribbean in an increasingly globalized environment and to tackle complex problems that require innovative solutions drawn from a wide range of fields and disciplines.

We are uniquely positioned to make Latin America and the Caribbean the signature area of excellence of the University of Miami. We are filled with a "burning impatience" to act fast: the existing conditions in the Americas and the major shifts in the global arena are ripe for unprecedented opportunities.

The new academic year of 2012-2013 will bring new initiatives, partnerships, and a continued dedication to learn from both hits and misses. And so, while we are approaching the end of a remarkable year, we are also excited to prepare for an even better year.

Thank you to all of you who are building the future with us. Your contributions have helped make the Center for Latin American Studies the productive place it is.

Our success hinges on your continuous participation and support.
Have a great summer!

Cordialmente,
Ariel C. Armony
Director, Center for Latin American Studies
University of Miami