A Message from Vice President Diaz
Welcome back! I hope you found some time this summer to
recharge and enjoy the things and people that bring you joy - whether that
meant traveling, spending time with family and friends, or simply slowing down
a little.
My summer had a little bit of everything. I traveled,
spent time with my 16-year-old son, Mateo, touring a few colleges (which was
exciting and a little surreal!),
and enjoyed plenty of time at home with my two dachshunds, Duke and Luna. I
even managed to squeeze in a few new shows along the way.
As we start a new year together, I’ve been thinking a lot
about our students - those stepping onto campus for the first time and those
returning to continue their journey. Every student comes to us with their own
story. They have hopes and dreams, but they may also be carrying worries,
responsibilities, or challenges.
What I love about Student Affairs is that we have so many
opportunities to make a difference in those stories. Sometimes it’s through a
big program or initiative, but often it’s in the small moments - taking a
little extra time to help, remembering someone’s name, offering encouragement,
solving a problem, or simply making sure a student knows there is someone here
who cares.
And every one of us contributes to that, whether we work
directly with students every day or do the important work behind the scenes
that makes their experience possible.
I’m so grateful for the energy and care you bring
to our students and to one another. I’m excited to see what this year brings
and, most of all, I’m proud that we get to do this work together.
Here’s to a great year!
Viridiana Diaz, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
