CLArion

Editor's Note

Welcome to the 2020-2021 edition of CLArion! Academic years always move quickly, but it is remarkable to think how much has changed since I last wrote this column: most UMD courses now take place at least partially online, we have mastered the extra squinty mask smile and staying six feet apart from others in public, vaccine rollout is part of the daily news, and the U.S. both has a new president and is increasingly working to be anti-racist.

Something that hasn’t changed? Our desire for connection. And as always, one need look no further than the newly merged School of Fine Arts and College of Liberal Arts to find a thoughtful, creative community listening to, collaborating with, and buoying each other across ages, neighborhoods, identities, departments, occupations, and countries.

Each person I interviewed noted the value of the people in their community—the resources shared, the insight gained, and the enhanced joy brought to life. Their reflections were a pleasant and timely reminder that despite the distances we may face, we are better when we lift each other up.

As a final note, the next time I talk to you, this publication may have a new title. A college name representative of everyone from the former College of Liberal Arts and School of Fine Arts is currently under deliberation--thus, CLArion, with its root in CLA, may no longer embody the community of the new college. I’m excited to see what possibilities the new name will bring.

If you have a story, accomplishment, publication, milestone, or comment to share, please email me at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.