Reading stories of Brooks College events and faculty and staff achievements in this pre-Thanksgiving newsletter reminds me of why I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the mission of Brooks College and Grand Valley State University. The state of affairs in both the natural world and the social-political world has been particularly unsettled and troubling over the past six weeks with hurricanes, fires, pipe bombs, mass shootings, and divisive public discourse that is disrespectful of human dignity.

In contrast, as reported in this newsletter, the Sustainable Agriculture Project received national recognition for its innovation in teaching students the values and skills of caring for Mother Earth as a source of life. The Padnos/Sarosik Civil Discourse Symposium on Climate Change provided a venue for students, faculty, and community members to explore respectfully different points of view on climate change and its impact. The Brooks College Office of Integrative Learning and Advising is leading a coat drive to meet basic human needs of some of our students. Our alumni panels testify to the effectiveness of our programs in empowering students to be engaged global citizens and leaders for good in their professions and communities.

I am grateful to work at an institution that protects academic freedom and with colleagues who are dedicated to living the values of inclusion and equity in supporting all individuals in discovering and expressing their authentic selves. I am grateful to the Departments of Liberal Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in reminding me of the importance of speaking out and affirming these core values when they may be threatened as they have recently done in their statements of support for trans, two spirit, and non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals. (See their statements here and here.)

By teaching and modeling the values and skills of creative problem-solving, critical thinking, civil discourse, interdisciplinarity, sustainability, teamwork, and inclusion and equity, I believe that Brooks College is part of the solution against troubling events such as those of the past six weeks. For all this and more, I give thanks.

When family and friends at the Thanksgiving table ask me “So, what’s new in Brooks College?” I’ll have plenty to share.

- Anne L. Hiskes

Brooks College is pleased to introduce Alex Priebe, the new Office Coordinator in the Dean's Office. Alex manages the Brooks College website and social media presence, provides communication support throughout the College, and coordinates the Supplemental Writing Skills and Lake Michigan Writing Project programs. Alex earned a B.A. from Michigan State University in Telecommunications, Information & Media Studies, as well as a CELTA ESL certificate from the British Side English Language School in Istanbul, Turkey. Alex has taught English in Turkey, worked in Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Denver, and manages his own photography business.