San Bernardino Community College District’s Post

This weekend, I shared profound conversations with Stelfanie Williams and her team members, learning more about the impact that Duke is having in Durham and on our external community overall. As we celebrated the historic $100 million donation from The Duke Endowment, the highest point of my weekend came during the traditional reading of James B. Duke’s Indenture of Trust. Reflecting on the unique vision behind the Duke family, I realized how one man’s vision could transform society. Listening to his indenture, I remembered one of the essays I wrote when visiting Duke Homestead, which made me realize Duke’s transformative power. Back in 2020, I wrote: “Duke’s indenture recognizes the need to act as a reliable partner for Durham. Duke must serve the needs of its surrounding community. Advocate for its social and economic development. Our university has a fundamental role in preserving and expanding Durham’s social fabric by enabling and promoting a sustainable economic model that allows Durham residents to access high-quality education, first-level health care, and affordable house ownership. We must permeate local communities and establish positive synergies between all stakeholders.” While I recognize that the job is far from done, I’m glad to see the progress we have made and celebrate the steadfast commitment of Stefalnie and her team to honoring Duke’s mission.Growing up in Colombia, I witnessed the effects of one of the longest civil wars in modern history. Fortunately, I was raised motivated to heal the surrounding communities, discovering the potential of education: an instrument to guide youth in repairing societies. In the words of James B. Duke, I discovered education as “the greatest civilizing influence.” I’m glad that I have pursued a career in higher education, feeling I could contribute to a much-needed societal transformation. How lucky I am to wake up feeling every day that I’m working to build a better world for my daughter and my soon-to-be-born son (only a few weeks/days? to go). Whatever your choice was, I genuinely hope you feel this way with your professional choice (i.e., you are making a real impact and fulfilling your professional dreams). #highereducation

Please follow EDUCATIONAL FIRST STEPS to watch the magical impact unfold….

The 60th Anniversary issue of Tri-C Times is now available online. This issue chronicles the College’s past milestones, present achievements and those leading it into the future. Learn about Tri-C’s first six decades, from its first day of class in a converted schoolhouse to its present-day standing as the largest community college in Ohio. Read more at https://ow.ly/hOAp50PSzqP

As we ring in the year 2024, there are so many exciting things happening at Lubbock Christian University! Check out this latest issue of Reflections for an exclusive look at the newly-completed Gullo Hall, the impact of both new and seasoned faculty, the momentum of LCU's Mabee Foundation Honors College, an alumna's life-changing impact in the lives of children, and more. https://lnkd.in/gwE9e5Qx

I was privileged as a board member of Collaborative Healing Initiative Within Communities to attend a press conference yesterday at which our CEO Sade Cooper, along with State Representative Jennifer Bacon (she, her) and State Senator James Coleman and other leaders formally announced introducing legislation which would empower a detailed racial justice (or injustices as the case may be) study in the State of Colorado. This initiative, titled Justice for Black Coloradans, is an historic step forward in identifying, documenting and understanding the specific policies and actions over the past 150 years Colorado has been a state that have contributed to the enormous disparities in education, income, wealth, and other economic opportunities between black Coloradans and so many of their fellow citizens. This vanguard study, to be led by History Colorado and funded by private sector donations, can lay the groundwork for smart, compassionate and consensus-driven policies to ameliorate the obvious legacy of historical (and on-going) injustices and ensuring a future of equal justice for all of us. As one of the speakers yesterday aptly remarked, this isn’t about critical race theory but about critical race history. What is proposed is just a study, but is nonetheless a monumental step forward in a rational path to justice and reconciliation. If you are interested you can learn more about it at https://lnkd.in/gXqEqpvp.

A great teacher and visionary leader.

Leadership

The Role of Eton's Legacy in Resolving Royal Feuds At Eton College, where the ethos of brotherhood and lifelong bonds are instilled from the very beginning, the ongoing feud between two royal alumni starkly contrasts with the values taught within these historic walls. Eton has always been more than a school; it is a cradle of leadership and camaraderie, preparing its students to uphold a legacy of unity and mutual respect, traits expected of its distinguished graduates. The reason generations of families have entrusted Eton with the education of their sons is not solely for academic rigor but for the deeper lessons in integrity and unity. The school's foundational principles, encapsulated in the "old school tie," emphasize solidarity and discretion, urging its community to support each other unconditionally and to live up to the examples set by the great men who came before them. As two of Eton’s most notable alumni find themselves at odds, it is crucial to remember the speeches and teachings that marked their formative years. These teachings encourage resolution and understanding, not conflict. It falls upon their fellow Etonians, who share the same formative education and values, to remind them of their common ground and shared responsibilities. In times of discord, the true strength of the Etonian bond must come to the forefront. The community is uniquely positioned to mediate, guided by the very principles imparted to them at school. For if there is any group that can bridge this divide, it is those who were schooled in the same traditions and are bound by the same lifelong codes. The spirit of Eton calls for unity and reconciliation. It is imperative for all involved to reflect on the heritage that shaped them and to act in a manner that upholds the honor and history of their esteemed alma mater. History is indeed watching, and it is through these moments of trial that the true values of Eton can shine through. #EtonCollege #RoyalReconciliation #OldSchoolTie #EtonianValues #Unity #Heritage #Leadership

In a recent edition of Exchange Every Day dedicated to embracing families, communities, and culture, Monica Wells, our family and community program administrator, shared her deep connection to families and communities and how it positively impacts children's success. "Strong, authentic relationships between our families, students, and educators are key. We must speak life into our students, cheer them on, teach them the skills, and provide the tools they need to be prepared for the future. We must show examples of the power, importance, and necessity of community." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gc7ur8uu

In June, WGU Labs hosted 10 institutions from the College Innovation Network (CIN) at Loyola University New Orleans. Administrators from four-year institutions, community colleges, nonprofit institutions, and fully online colleges gathered to think critically about how to address growing uncertainty around the value of a college degree. We found the experience so revitalizing, we put together this blog on why collaborative problem-solving and strong partnerships between higher education leaders are so crucial to solving education’s biggest problems. https://lnkd.in/eY2h2Bvv