A Semester in the Spotlight

December 13, 2012

As our students leave campus for a well-deserved winter break, I am pleased to report a productive semester in the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition to a continued record of achievement from students and faculty, two important initiatives put our college in the spotlight and capitalized on the vast potential created when our diverse academic and cultural missions serve our community.

The University welcomed both presidential candidates to speak on campus not once, but twice, during the height of the fall campaign. These visits gave our students incredible access to our electoral process and encouraged unprecedented voter turnout in South Florida. More than 200 students also took a political science course that provided real-time election insight from notable figures including former United Nations Ambassador Mark Wallace, presidential candidate Herman Cain, and national political pundits including Fox News' Bernie Goldberg and Slate's Sasha Isenberg. In addition, our political science professors provided valuable insight to news media and voters with research and analysis from a key vantage point in Miami. Student and faculty efforts to learn, teach, and drive political participation positioned our college and our university at the center of current events throughout the semester.

Winter break also marks the midpoint of TakingFlight – our Year of the Humanities initiative, which promotes the liberal arts among students, faculty, alumni, and the public. Lectures, performances, exhibits, and events drew thousands to experience scholarship and creative expression here at UM, and more awaits. A lecture from renowned animal scientist and autism advocate Temple Grandin, a visiting professorship with evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, new exhibits at the Lowe Art Museum, a Classics Day including a production of classical Greek comedy by Theatre Arts, as well as Shakespeare in Miami lectures, and The Ring Theatre's production of King Lear are some of the many events to anticipate in the spring. With the combined efforts of our faculty, students, cultural institutions and centers, Taking Flight is invigorating culture, scholarship and creativeexpression at UM and beyond.

The new year will bring each of us in the college new challenges in the classroom, around campus, and in our community. We will continue to seize these new opportunities for learning and to strengthen our role as anacademic and cultural leader in this vibrant, global city. Be sure to like our Facebook page and follow our Twitter account for information on upcoming events and news from the college. Meanwhile, I wish you a peaceful and joyous holiday season, and I look forward to seeing you in the spring semester.

 

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