Dean's Dispatch Issue 11

Dean's Dispatch Header

September 2024, Issue 10

Dear Alumni and Friends,

This issue is devoted to the Humanities, an area that often prompts the question, why study the humanities? One might argue that employers recognize and value the skills taught in humanities courses, such as communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. Another might say that humanities are needed for an engaged citizenry composed of educated people who are able to empathize, respect others, and foster equality and social justice. Yet others might argue that the humanities are needed to inspire, to promote creativity, and to generate beauty.  Whatever the reason, the humanities have a lot to teach us.

Faculty in the humanities are accomplished scholars and engaged teachers who are recognized nationally and internationally for their work. Dr. Stephanie Bauer, Philosophy Professor and Director of the Ethics Center and Dr. Ian Hartman, History Professor and Associate Dean, were recently selected to participate in a leadership program for academics in the humanities. The program is sponsored by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education and funded by the Mellon Foundation, which 鈥渟eeks to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive.鈥 We are excited to have two CAS faculty members chosen to participate.

In this issue, we highlight the work of best selling author and English professor Dr. Sharon Emmerich. Her novel, Shield Maiden, is a reimagining of Beawolf and reached #9 on the Sunday Times bestseller list in England. We also highlight professor emerita of English and CAS donor, Becky Patterson Bunde. Even in retirement, Dr. Bunde continues to support students through her philanthropy and compassion. 

Sharon Emmerich photo

Caleb at CoS

In our student spotlight, Caleb Youn, a junior pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in Languages with an emphasis in German and minors in both History and International Studies, shares his experience at UAA. This issue also describes our successful partnership with South Anchorage High School which provides dual enrollment classes to students in the Civic Leadership Pathway program. Prompted in part by the success of the CLP, we developed an interdisciplinary program in Civics Leadership that prepares students, through exposure to a variety of disciplines in CAS, to assume leadership roles in our community. The degree will also make use of the 熊猫在线视频 Leaders Archive and the Ted Stevens Papers.

The first installment of the CAS Community Lecture Series will take place on October 2 with Melissa Block, the former NPR host of 鈥淎ll Things Considered鈥. Block returns to 熊猫在线视频 to reminisce about her lifetime career in broadcasting including some of her most memorable stories and to talk about the importance of accurate, ethical and timely reporting. Our second lecture on October 30 features author, wildlife photographer, outdoorsman Seth Kantner and UAA scientist Patrick Sullivan. The two will share their observations, results, and thoughts of the changing arctic.Tickets for Melissa Block and subscriptions for the entire series are available on .  The CAS Community Lecture Series brings the world to 熊猫在线视频 and 熊猫在线视频 to the world. I hope you will be able to join us at one or all of our lectures.

Information about Melissa Block Lecture

Best, 

Dr. Jenny McNulty, Dean


Caleb Youn Photo

Student Spotlight: 
Caleb Youn
Languages

 
鈥淎s long as I鈥檓 here at the university, I just want to bring out how important languages are overall. I will continue to stay involved, and hopefully raise awareness of the importance of languages beyond my fellow German students." Caleb Youn discusses his academic journey, the excitement of learning a new skill, and advice for future languages students.
 

Sharon EmmerichsFaculty Spotlight: 
Sharon Emmerichs
English
 

I love UAA students. They鈥檙e honestly such a special bunch. I鈥檝e taught at a bunch of other universities and colleges, and while I was getting my Ph.D...In my experience, there鈥檚 no other place that has students like we have at UAA." Professor Sharon Emmerichs talked to us about moving to 熊猫在线视频, coming to UAA, and getting her first book published.
 

SAHS PhotoCAS Spotlight: 
Civic Leadership Pathway

It is an exciting time for the College of Arts and Sciences, especially for curriculum. As career fields and industry changes, the curriculum and education provided should similarly adapt and change. We have made efforts to refresh and invigorate the degrees, courses, and certificates we offer to our students, which includes a Certificate in Fermentation Science and an Associate of Science degree.

Becky Patterson-Bunde photo

Alumni Spotlight: 
Nick Armstrong-Crews
 

鈥淚 have always loved UAA, I love the students. My husband and I both believed that the more you give, the more you get鈥 that was our philosophy. I always take the time to get to know the students who receive this scholarship." Becky Patterson Bunde talked about her scholarship, the importance of the humanities, and AI in the classroom.


Events for Issue Eleven