Endings and Beginnings: Saying Farewell to CSUN
Fall 2020 looks unlike any other fall we have ever experienced. These times are truly unprecedented in our university’s history. The challenges we face, however, serve as a stark reminder of the importance of the work we do. With a world-class educational experience, social justice, sustainability, civic engagement, resilience and innovation are all fostered at CSUN with our nearly 40,000 students, who then go out to tackle these challenges in their communities as alumni.
Facing a pandemic that has upended so many lives with impunity, this issue of CSUN Magazine shows the tenacity of Matadors. Students showed extraordinary adaptability as we shifted to virtual learning in the spring and primarily virtual learning in the fall. While I am disappointed that the most recent class of graduates have not yet had a proper sendoff from their CSUN experience, I am so proud of their accomplishments. CSUN faculty and staff put their tremendous creativity and commitment into their work, continuing to deliver a transformative education for our students and expand on human knowledge. Our alumni are putting what they learned at CSUN into practice in many of the fields that are making a difference in the economy, and many that will lead the recovery when the pandemic subsides.
For me, this issue also serves as a farewell as President of CSUN. Higher education —my life’s work —is the launch pad for thousands of bright futures every year. It has been my honor to be a part of the lives of more than 70,000 graduates who have earned degrees at CSUN since 2012. I often remark at commencement that while their CSUN chapter may be concluding, new chapters are just beginning.
So, as I begin the next chapter in my life, I think about the life of the university. While we face undeniable hurdles in the months ahead, CSUN will continue to flourish. We have the solid foundation to continue to build the thinkers, the doers, the leaders of tomorrow. This is not just my opinion —CSUN’s rankings continue to reflect the excellence, the value and the impact of the university.
To every member of the CSUN community who has touched my life, I thank you —and thank you for all you do for CSUN.
Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D. President
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