President's Perspective
Fall 2021By President Ali R. Malekzadeh, PhD
Last month, I was on my way to introduce the American Dream Reconsidered Conference when I boarded an elevator with three students. I learned that the group belonged to the Chicago College of Performing Arts, when, mid-conversation, they broke into song.
If you have never heard the acoustics in the Wabash elevators, I encourage you to do so — I told the students I might miss the conference so I could enjoy their whole performance. Then on the second floor, I got off to join David Axelrod and Bill Kristol for an inspiring debate about the American Dream.
It was a small moment, to be sure, but one that could only happen at Roosevelt University, where our students are talented, driven and engaged with social justice. While Roosevelt has embraced the possibilities of remote learning, I am grateful for our safe return to campus and new opportunities to connect.
COVID-19 cases remained low on campus thanks to the diligence of our students, faculty and staff. About 97% of Roosevelt students have received the COVID-19 vaccine, and our community continues to wear their masks and follow safety guidelines.
It has been an eye-opening year and a half. The pandemic has magnified the stark disparities embedded across industries, including higher education. I remain grateful for Roosevelt’s mission and our dedication to preparing socially conscious students who will become community leaders.
And Justice For All
The official Roosevelt University podcast explores the close relationship between education and justice.
In a time of upheaval, Roosevelt has recommitted to our founding values while exploring opportunities for growth and flexibility.
— President Ali Malekzadeh
Roosevelt’s founders created our University for students who faced barriers to accessing education: BIPOC students, immigrants, parents and those with financial need. Through local and federal grants, Roosevelt will deepen our support networks.
With a $2.7 million federal grant, Roosevelt will build a campus STEM center and add support staff for transfer students. Another grant — one you’ll read about in this issue — will change how Chicago children overcome learning loss.
In “Students Develop Tools for Social Activism,” you’ll meet Mia Moore and Caitlynn Liquigan, who spent the summer learning how to effect social change across Chicago. Please consider making a gift to support change-makers like Mia and Caitlynn at your alma mater.
In a time of upheaval, Roosevelt has recommitted to our founding values while exploring opportunities for growth and flexibility. The Board of Trustees approved our updated strategic plan with its cornerstones of academic and financial strength, guided by social justice principles. I look forward to many more catalyzing campus encounters in the months to come.
As always, I welcome your thoughts.
Write me at president@roosevelt.edu.
More in this section
Opera’s leading role in transforming gender identity in the arts
Lucia Lucas is a force—both on stage and off. In April, Lucia made history during her debut at the Lyric Opera of Chicago as the first openly transgender person to perform there in a leading role.
Deserving of a truly special honor
Friends of Roosevelt recently gathered to recognize Kiera Carpenter, an aspiring environmental professional, as the inaugural recipient of the Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Scholarship.
In and beyond the multicultural classroom
Professor Yue Li helps students to not only recognize and embrace culture differences, but to see social hierarchies that create privilege and oppression.