Dean's letter

Graduation is upon us and I am pleased to report that the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts will have 91 graduating students in the class of 2018, one of our largest classes. I am very proud of these students for their perseverance and devotion to their studies that they have achieved this status. We are sending artists into the world as change agents that, hopefully, can make a difference in the lives of the people they touch.

I love graduations. It is always fun to see the families and friends come to the ceremony to support their graduate. The festive nature of the event helps to erase the doldrums of the winter months with the smiles and warmer temperatures of May. The academic procession of faculty in their robes from the various schools they attended is a colorful display of the power of education. Moving the tassel from left to right to signal the completion of the degree requirements always bring a cheer from the crowd and the graduates themselves. To see students received advanced degrees is always a joy. 

A graduate’s diploma does more than prove what a pupil has learned. It also inspires them to continue to strive for excellence. It is the key to open the doors of success and can be a stepping stone to the next chapter of education. It is also the beacon for those who hope to cross the stage that day that their goals can be accomplished, that there is light at the end of the tunnel and dreams can come true.

Graduation also marks the end of the academic year. It means that summer is upon us and that there is a chance for breathing space. It also means that you probably won’t hear from us for a few months while we take our prescribed break. This does not mean that we are not at work, only that we are planning for the next academic year, so that when the month of August rolls around we are prepared. 

Congratulations to the class of 2018 and to all a happy summer. 

Marvin Curtis
Dean, Professor of Music