Spring has
sprung in Delaware, USA. I realize some
of you may not be in a part of the world that experiences a spring season like
we have here in the Mid-Atlantic United States, and I am sorry. The beauty of the trees, literally dripping
with flowers, is always a breathtaking site. On my campus, the University of
Delaware, spring (April and May) also corresponds with the ending of another
academic year, which we celebrate with Commencement. It is an ending celebrated with an event that
means “the beginning.” So the symbolic
rebirth that spring brings corresponds nicely with our collegiate “beginning”
as we send our graduates off to begin the rest of their lives – be that
careers, graduate programs, world travel, etc. Often it is sad to see many of
them leave but it is a sweet sadness, knowing that we have played a role in
their accomplishments and hopefully made their path at the University a bit
more engaging, educational, inspiring, and at the right times, a bit smoother.
As I watch
our graduates head off to what is next for them, spring inspires me to think
about what’s next for me. The coming academic
year is within sight and I begin planning both personally and
professionally. Of course, ACPA plays a
big part in that. We know from our
membership survey that most members highly value the professional development
opportunities offered by ACPA. As an
Association we work hard to make these opportunities diverse, affordable,
accessible, and relevant. Most are
directly related to the professional competencies and are planned by experts in
our field who are committed to engaging experiences that allow participants to
both learn and network with other colleagues.
I hope you
will take some time to visit the ACPA calendar of events, and consider how we
might help you enhance your April, May or June.
Dr. Kathleen G. Kerr
