The Dean's Letter

May 28, 2024

"The Greatness of a Community"

Dear AAP Community —

As we bring this academic year to a close, I want to congratulate the class of 2024 on their graduation, and express my gratitude to all of our faculty, staff, and students who supported them in their many achievements that have led them to this culminating moment. 

Having had this opportunity to see hundreds of our students gathered together in one place, surrounded by so many who have dedicated themselves to their accomplishments and success, I also want to thank you for continuing to build our community with such tremendous care. 

At the commencement ceremony this weekend, I shared a few words that civil rights activist Coretta Scott King offered in honor of her late husband: "The greatness of a community is most accurately measured in the compassionate actions of its members." This past year was resonant with reminders that building community is not only about what we do each day — but very much about how we do it — the innumerable acts of compassion, imagination, and care that make all we can accomplish together possible. 

At AAP, we continue to engage with each other and the world with a certain grace and thoughtfulness that both defines and elevates our community, deepening our sense of humanity, and grounding us in our collective mission to create a more just, sustainable, and resilient future. 

With this, as we head off to places near and far — I thank you for all you bring to AAP, for all you've given of yourselves over the past several months, and hope you are able to take some time to recharge and restore. And perhaps, to fully take in the profound impact and value of the many acts of care and compassion, small and large, that may see the greatness of our community reflected in the world we build.

Sincerely,
Meejin