Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles – June 22, 2015
Dear Westchester Community College Family,
The recent horrific acts of violence occurring in our nation are shocking and far too numerous. Last week’s unspeakable event in Charleston, South Carolina has affected us all and has even challenged the sense of hope that many feel as we seek to make positive differences in our lives and communities. Despite how far we have evolved as a society, there is still more to be done in our quest to make this a better, more inclusive world.
As you struggle with your own thoughts about this tragedy, I hope you will remain inspired by the work we do to improve the lives of our students and community through education across the spectrum of life. Beyond the work we do to help create opportunities for employment and future achievement for individuals, we are also educating our students about concepts such as sympathy and empathy for those who are different from ourselves, for those who are suffering and in need, and for those who need advocacy for positive change.
Our curriculum at Westchester Community College includes the General Education Program that provides a core experience designed to empower students with broad foundational knowledge and skills. The college’s relatively new Humanities Institute increases awareness of diversity through classroom instruction and college-wide events such as lectures, film screening and discussions. Other programs require community service components that impact and transform lives in important ways. Through programs like these, coordinated by our staff, faculty and administrators, we promote inclusion while combating alienation and divisiveness.
Please take a moment today to reflect on your role in working as part of our community of learners to help achieve greater good as we enrich and enlighten those whose lives we touch through the education and service we provide.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles