Dean's Messages Archive

Last week, I enjoyed an in-person chat with School of Music alumna and orchestral conductor Fernanda Lastra as part of our “Movers Shakers Designers Makers” (MSDM) interview series. Fernanda was in town to guest-conduct a Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra concert. It was lovely to meet her in person before she returns to campus in May to serve as our commencement speaker.

Our MSDM interviews with alumni, which started during the pandemic in July 2020, cover topics ranging from the impact of their work to their favorite Creamery ice cream flavor. Fernanda – who frequently guest-conducts youth orchestras and family concerts – spoke animatedly about how much she loves seeing children enjoying her concerts. A conductor is in a unique position to witness that joy, and it was wonderful to hear how Fernanda values that experience (the full interview will be posted on our MSDM YouTube channel).

One of the experiences I value most as dean is celebrating the accomplishments of our students, faculty, and staff members. Each April, we hold our college awards ceremony where we honor both College-level and University-level award recipients. The public is invited to the event on Friday, April 24, at 4 p.m. in the Recital Hall. It will also be live streamed.

My role at this event is relatively minimal – I invite winners to the stage, or watch as other college administrators and leaders invite winners to the stage. Like Fernanda, I am in a unique position to witness – up close – the pride, excitement, and joy of our award winners as they receive their awards. It could be the first time a student receives an award. It could be a staff member receiving an award for the “above and beyond” duties they perform to advance our mission and goals. It could be a faculty member earning recognition for their years of mentoring and putting students first.

I feel the pride, excitement, and joy of the award recipients right along with them. It is one of the many times I ask myself, rhetorically, “how great is it to be dean of the College of Arts and Architecture?”

Like every spring semester, we have a packed calendar in the coming weeks. If you find yourself on campus, I hope you will make time to support our students at a performance, catch a lecture, or visit an exhibition in one of our student galleries or the Palmer Museum of Art. Thank you, as always, for your support.