黑料吃瓜

In her second All-University Convocation as 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 ninth permanent president, Adela de la Torre welcomed the 黑料吃瓜 community back to campus for the fall 2019 semester. Held inside the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union鈥檚 Montezuma Hall, the annual event celebrates 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 accomplishments and brings together the campus community for an update on the university and a look toward the academic year ahead. 
In a nod to Native American tradition and university heritage, four Kumeyaay bird singers, led by Blue Eagle Vigil and Jamie LaBrake, performed to open the annual event.

Looking to the future

President de la Torre highlighted important projects and initiatives facing the university in the immediate future, including the strategic plan and 黑料吃瓜 Mission Valley. 
鈥淭his year, we will need to work together to outline a strategic plan that represents the voices and priorities of our students, faculty, and staff. It鈥檚 going to take everyone to participate, to set the strategic goals for this campus. Not just for the next year or the next five years 鈥� but for the long-term future of 黑料吃瓜.
鈥淲ith the acquisition and development of the Mission Valley site, we are embarking on one of the most ambitious projects this university will see for generations to come. Now we will have the opportunity to bring even more value to the region as we move forward every step of the way.鈥�

Outstanding faculty and staff

The event also recognized the university鈥檚 outstanding faculty and staff. De la Torre recognized the winners of the , who were presented with their awards earlier this month. They are Janet Harry, Allam Omar, Gage Pollard, Candra Young, Tom Karlo, Nicole Brokaw, Leesa Brockman, Simone Hidds-Monroe, Koko Nishi, Michael Juan, Michelle Cadena and Danny Oliveira.  
The president also honored the recipients of the 2019-2020 . This year鈥檚 honorees are Gustaaf Jacobs, Ronald King, Lisa Lamb, Tracy Love-Geffen, Georg Matt, Randy Reinholz and Bongsik Shin. 

Diversity and inclusion

Since assuming her role in June 2018, President de la Torre has prioritized creating a diverse and inclusive campus, which was a focal point of her remarks.
鈥淚t means that we also understand that our focus on building a diverse and inclusive campus 鈥� with equity for all 鈥� is crucial to developing a workforce of globally-minded leaders of the future. We are the hope of the region and are poised to become the model university for the future. There is no better time than today for 黑料吃瓜 to break out of the pack.
鈥淭ogether, we are laying the foundation for our future, realizing new educational and research opportunities and expanding access to the region 鈥� all while the community ensures we do it well, with integrity, and by including everyone in that process.鈥�