Letter from the Chair - 2019
As I prepared for a new academic year, I was reflecting on all the people who have helped the department become the nurturing and challenging learning environment that we are. After all, it is true what they say: we stand on the shoulders of giants.
Sadly, we lost one of those department supporters this summer. Rosa Jones, our dedicated administrative support coordinator, passed away on July 24 as a result of complications from a brain aneurism. It was a sudden and unexpected loss that left a hole in our hearts. Rosa worked for the Liberal Studies Department for more than three years. She was a long-time member of the Cal Poly and College of Science and Mathematics family, serving in multiple departments throughout the college and university for more than 29 years. She contributed to the Cal Poly community in many ways, including as an active member of the CSU Employees Union. We are very thankful for her service to our faculty, staff and students. Her life was too short, and we will always remember her.
In happier news, a team of external evaluators names us a “distinguished liberal studies program.” The evaluators’ visit completed our program review process, in which we reflect on program effectiveness and create an action plan for the next five years. We are deeply grateful to the internal and external faculty members and evaluators who contributed to this process.
In this newsletter, you’ll hear from our students and read about our their commitment to teaching and learning, whether volunteering in Poland or self-publishing a beautiful children’s book. We also offered our inaugural study abroad in Ireland program led by Russell Swanagon, which was a great success and will continue in the future.
We also want to highlight some opportunities for our alumni and friends to visit Cal Poly and connect with fellow liberal studies alumni and current students.
Mark your calendars!
Join Us for the 4th Annual Alumni Reunion on Homecoming Weekend
Enjoy a free brunch with fellow alumni and current faculty, staff, students and credential candidates. Share stories, win prizes and become part of our dynamic network.
Date: Saturday, November 16th, 2019
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Baker Lawn at Cal Poly
Cost: Free
Anne Marie Bergen’s Retirement Event
Anne Marie Bergen is retiring! Come celebrate this wonderful person, her amazing accomplishments and the lives she has touched.
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2020
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Where: Red Barn in Los Osos
Cost: Free
We are so grateful for all the support we receive from our alumni, donors and friends. You help us provide a strong Learn by Doing education to our students every day. Please drop us a line and let us know what you’re up to or come to one of our events this year.
Wishing you all the best,
Lola Berber-Jiménez, Chair
Liberal Studies Department