Message from the Dean

As we reflect on this extremely challenging academic year, it seems fitting to focus this issue of Learn on community and connecting. There should be no doubt that community and connecting are central to the work we do. I am so proud of the many ways GSE faculty, students, and staff reached out to lend support and provide assistance where needed. When the Buffalo Public Schools identified a need for their high school students, GSE’s office of educator preparation jumped right in and designed a mutually beneficial homework assistance program. As the needs for more literacy support became apparent, once again GSE, with the very generous financial support of Liz Czarnecki, BA '76, EdM,'94, created a summer literacy program for students in Buffalo. Our admissions and advising staff have been nothing short of extraordinary in reaching out and making connections with prospective and current students. GSE faculty, staff, and students made clear throughout this trying year how seriously we take our mission as a public research university. Throughout the pages of this edition of Learn, you will read story after story of people coming together through their teaching, research, and service to help and support individuals and communities. Working with communities has been transformational for so many of us and indeed has provided us with new insights and perspectives. As we turn our attention to reopening GSE for in-person classes this fall, I am humbled and honored to be associated with such a talented group of faculty and staff and so grateful to partner with so many dedicated community members and advocates. Indeed, there is much work to do to realize more inclusive and equitable, communities, but I feel certain that we are on the just path to doing so.

Kind Regards,