February 7, 2024
Happy February!
A point of pride for Sonoma State is the role our University plays not only in educating a diverse population of students, but also in being a community partner engaged in meeting the needs of the many stakeholders the University serves regionally, nationally, and around the world.
Everything we do at SSU is informed by a deep understanding and appreciation of the cultural and social diversity that is a major strength of our campus. Sonoma State’s core values include diversity and social justice, connectivity and community engagement, and adaptability and responsiveness. Our commitment to these values lights the path to a brighter future for all.
This month’s edition of Noma News fully reflects that commitment. It includes the University’s partnership with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in opening the FIGR Learning Center at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve; SSU’s hosting of the Oxford Consortium for Human Rights, an international conclave; advances in scholarship and research ranging from sea otters to Venetian art to chromosomes and computers; a special Lunar New Year movie night; and, for all of February, Black History Month events following the theme “Black Art: For Us By Us.”
I have many times commented on the physical beauty of our campus and its surroundings, and how its connection with nature offers all of us who learn, work, and live here an environmentally holistic sense of our place in the world. My appreciation for it endures and grows, as I hope it does for you.
But the beauty extends beyond our surroundings. It also lies, perhaps most profoundly, in the accomplishments, engagements, events, and relationships fostered by Seawolves near and far.
As my family gathers this weekend in observance of Lunar New Year, I will be reminded of the core values shared by all of us at Sonoma State, and will be warmed and sustained by this fine work and the opportunity ahead to do even more.
Warmly,
Mike Lee, Ph.D.
President