Academic Institutions

August, 23, 2022

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my sincere honor to recognize the outstanding commitment to community, diversity, equity, and inclusion made by John J. Kennedy. His relentless dedication to building global relationships with our Sister City DakarPlateau is represents one of many initiatives ArtCenter College of Design had the pleasure of hosting through John’s leadership. In June of 2019, ArtCenter Joined John Kennedy in welcoming the Mayor of Dakar-Plateau, his Excellency Alioune Ndoye, and his Delegation to our campus. Through his commitment to global excellence, peace and understanding John J. Kennedy was truly a catalyst for positive relationship building at the highest level. His career exemplified the importance of relationships in creating communities that would thrive. Undoubtedly, his legacy will live on through the global partnerships and authentic bonds he nurtured. These connections continue to create essential opportunities for students who aspire to become part of a rapidly growing creative economy in Pasadena and globally. Like ArtCenter, John J. Kennedy was a true advocate for creative problem solving and teamwork. He will always be recognized a champion who fostered creating change through relationship building.

Warmest Regards

Aaron I. Bruce, MIBA, Ph.D. Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

August 24, 2022

In Celebration and Thanksgiving for Pasadena

Councilmember John J. Kennedy

Councilmember John J. Kennedy's words will always echo throughout the campus of Fuller Theological Seminary (FTS). His recent visits were in support of FTS's plan to reimagine its traditional campus model. As a local and global leader, he recognized FTS as a local and global leader in theological education.

What we heard John say stirred us as his faith was stirred. Reimagine the campus as an urban laboratory for local and global students to explore urban challenges in collaboration with a wide range of local stakeholders. He would also urge us to promote civic engagement and activism among students and serve the many communities that make up the City of Pasadena and surrounding jurisdictions through service-learning opportunities.

He would encourage us to use our campus facilities for a wide range of public meetings, summits, and special events. While walking our campus he would further encourage us to promote an open walkable campus that invites the public to walk the campus and observe the manifestations of our faith.

While walking and talking with us, he would often say "Fuller Forward." FTS is reimagining its campus as an urban laboratory that will serve its local and global neighbors. A campus that will host various public occasions and manifest our faith.

There is an ancient saying that quotes God as revealing, you will never be able to hear my words if you cannot hear my silence.

John, we know that we will never be able to fully hear your words to us if we cannot now hear your silence.

Sincerely ,

Mark Labberton, PhD

President, Fuller Theological Seminary

Clifford L. Penner Presidential Chair

August 2022

To the Pasadena Community: Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School mourns the loss of our Pasadena District Councilmember John J. Kennedy.

We honor his lifelong commitment to public service, fighting for civil rights, and serving the community he loved. We thank him for his strong support of Pacific Oaks —attending events and serving as keynote speaker at our 2018 commencement ceremony, where his inspiring words motivated our graduates.

John J. Kennedy was a force of nature and a role model for Pacific Oaks students. He embodied our shared values of diversity, social justice, inclusion, and respect. We had the honor of collaborating with Councilmember Kennedy on issues of importance to the Black community, striving for equity and racial equality. John was a tireless advocate, possessing a relentless drive to make positive social impact for his district and the city of Pasadena.

Together, we join the Pasadena community in grieving the passing of Councilmember, activist, and friend.

Respectfully,

Dr. Jack Paduntin President