University President Julie Sullivan speaking at a past campus event. Sullivan focused on gratitude in her convocation address, held virtually Tuesday. (TommieMedia file photo)
In St. Thomas’ first ever virtual academic convocation Tuesday, university President Julie Sullivan spoke of her gratitude for the work and sacrifice faculty members have demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The 2020-21 academic year will likely go down as one of the most challenging, yet most fulfilling years to launch in our 135 year history,” Sullivan said.
Seven convictions: pursuit of truth, academic excellence, faith and reason, dignity, diversity, personal attention and gratitude were highlighted by seven faculty members. Mahmoud Kabalan, assistant professor of engineering, shared his experience.
“In these trying times; gratitude to me is knowing that the people I love are healthy and safe,” Kabalan said. “Knowing that I am not alone in all that is happening, knowing that my colleagues are there to support me and being there to support them, and trusting that the future is waiting for us to seize it.”
Sullivan addressed racial injustice and put forth a plan to combat racial inequality at St. Thomas.
“I am optimistic that we will go beyond simply not being racist or simply not being racist is enough,” Sullivan said. “I am optimistic that we will work actively to identify, call out and combat racism in all its forms.”
Sullivan said that plan will include augmenting the previously established Action Plan to Combat Racism, commissioning an audit of the university’s diversity and inclusion practices and expanding the racial justice initiative.
As the outlook for the longevity of the pandemic worsened, Sullivan recognized the financial uncertainties that faculty members now face.
“We chose a collective sacrifice model that protected those potentially most vulnerable,” Sullivan said. “All have had their retirement contributions suspended, and all either experienced short term furloughs or salary cuts.”
Sullivan concluded her address by challenging faculty to trust the guidance of personal relationships.
“There is much to be grateful for, and we begin with each other as Mahmoud (Kabalan) shared,” Sullivan said. “We are our brothers and sisters keepers, and the culture encounter moves us to walk the journey of our lives tenderly holding each other’s hands, even if figuratively or virtually.”
Joey Swanson can be reached at swan5350@stthomas.edu.