Welcome from Dean Muñiz

Welcome from Dean Muñiz

My warmest welcome to this latest edition of our ASPIRE magazine!

2020-2021 was a year of great struggles and sorrows, but it was also a year of triumphs and exemplary heroic service! Through this pandemic, we have seen many, many acts of selflessness and generosity, starting with our first-responders and the medical community. Because of our amazing community here in Michiana, we are slowly transitioning back to a normal campus that is once again full of students, faculty, and staff.

My most heartfelt thanks are also to all the members of our IU community who, through careful planning and close attention to scientific developments, have made it possible that not only our Titan community, but also our patrons and friends of the Raclin School around our region will be able to enjoy our on-campus, fullypacked, upcoming season of performances, lectures, and exhibitions. This ASPIRE magazine is dedicated to all of you!

As you read through these pages, you will nevertheless experience the hard work, determination, and sheer passion for the Arts and the advancement of scholarly work that all our faculty, staff, and students have accomplished amid the pandemic. I am delighted to see the energy, drive, and resilience that our Raclin Titans have shown during this past year!

The Raclin School did not stop producing amazing performances, riveting lectures, and scholarship achievements: we just had to re-imagine ourselves as artists and scholars in a different way so we could still reach out to all of you. This is the spirit of true scholars, artists, and creators: to constantly reflect, adapt, and comfort others by critically thinking about our place in our society. The Arts are not just necessary for the wellbeing of a society: they are indispensable!

Many of the new approaches we have taken this year will surely stay with us for years to come. I encourage you to read through these pages and reach out to us if we can be of assistance. We look forward to seeing you at the many events throughout our 2021-2022 season!

With warmest regards,

Jorge A. Muñiz, D.M.A. Interim Dean Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts