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Lianna McGowan Makes Contributions to Peace and Justice Institute

Apr

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Thursday, April 1, 2021

A Message from Wendy Givoglu, Interim President, East and Winter Park Campuses

Many thanks to Lianna McGowan, professor, New Student Experience (NSE), for her remarkable contributions to the NSE department and the College in the area of peace and justice. Most recently Lianna facilitated a Peace and Justice Institute (PJI) Spring Faculty and Staff Retreat and received very positive feedback from participants.

Lianna shared her purpose for this work, “Retreat work reminds me of the importance of brave conversations, safe spaces and the gifts of vulnerability. In each retreat, we slow down, listen to ourselves and each other and practice reflection and compassion. Brene Brown, American professor and author, reminds us that we are living in the middle of two pandemics, COVID-19 and racial injustice. Instead of going back to normal, we need to build new systems, better ways of being together, more equity and inclusivity and diversity. There is clear work ahead of us which requires vulnerability and courage.”

As department chair, Lianna has worked tirelessly to integrate the PJI Principles into the curriculum of NSE and to make them an integral element of the departmental culture.

“Her commitment to the Principles is infectious and has allowed us to successfully navigate the tumultuous year we’ve had due to the pandemic and civil unrest,” Dean of Learning Support Leonard Bass commented.

Great job Lianna!

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