Dean's Message

Dear Friends,

If you’ve been following us over the summer, as I hope you have, you know that we’ve continued to do our part to keep the arts alive during this crazy time. We’ve learned so many new strategies for exploring the arts, building on CTSA’s stellar reputation for innovative work across a wide variety of disciplines. But through these past 18 months, amid frustrations and anxiety, our central goal has been to focus on EMERGING BRIGHTER than ever with the arrival of a new academic year. So in this issue of CONNECT, we’ll be taking you behind the scenes again to introduce you to students, faculty, and partners who are part of that goal.

What do we mean by “Emerging Brighter”? Students and faculty share their thoughts on what this theme means to them. Mari Kimura, one of our most innovative faculty members, has found many ways to share the new technologies she has invented (and patented!) to extend the digital possibilities of the violin. It’s a remarkable story. You’ll be amazed at what our Medici Scholars and CTSA alums have been doing to share and promote the arts across the broader culture. In each issue of CONNECT, we profile a core arts supporter, and in this issue we introduce you to Susan Hori, who’s long been a part of the CTSA leadership team. Susan’s version of “Emerging Brighter” is to return to the in-person experience that makes the arts so unique and so powerful. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that Susan will get her wish and that we’ll all be returning to campus in the fall. CTSA events are listed at the end of the issue, and of course, we’ll be delighted if you’ll take advantage of them to get back in touch with us. As a supporter and partner of the arts, your role in our future is the starring one!

Stephen Barker, Ph.D.

Dean