Dear Pomona College Community,
As we begin this new semester, it’s important to acknowledge the devastating war in the Middle East continues, as does the deep pain it brings for many members of our community.
Our campus community has widely divergent viewpoints and commitments on this issue, and I want to find ways for thoughtful dialogue to unfold at Pomona in the weeks ahead. Meeting one another face to face in small groups with space for listening and the exchange of ideas offers a path to foster authentic dialogue for our community of learners.
As a start, I am inviting small groups of 12 to 14 Pomona students, two faculty members and two members of my senior staff team to come together to discuss ways to create a campus climate for deeper dialogue.
If you are interested in joining one of these sessions, please sign up online (link can be found in email).
Recent campus conversations also have brought questions on how the college endowment works. As an additional resource for our community, we will be hosting a webinar on the college endowment. Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Roth and Chief Investment Officer David Wallace will provide information at an online webinar set for 5 p.m. on February 6. Details with links will be sent in the days ahead.
Finally, as part of our academic mission, the Dean’s Office will be organizing a series of talks this semester contextualizing the Middle East conflict, following up on the first event held in November.
I see collaboration and dialogue as essential for our community in this challenging moment, and I look forward to joining with you in the process in the weeks ahead.
With best wishes,
Gabi