Dr. Kathryn Jeffery delivers State of the College Address
March 14, 2019. Kathryn E. Jeffery gives a heart warming speech during the Professional development day."Today is a reminder for me, to appretiate the value and vibrance forward thinking community. The ways we work together to strengthen our students and this community as a whole. We are recognized as a whole, within California, withing the country and out side of it. We see it in our students".. ( Janet Ali / The Corsair )
Santa Monica College's (SMC) Superintendent and President, Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery, stood at the podium in the SMC gymnasium in front of over 200 members of the administration, faculty, and staff. As her speech came to a close, the room erupted into applause and people leapt to their feet for a standing ovation. Two women hugged each other, tears streaking down their ruddy cheeks.
This is not the reaction one might expect from a State of the College address, but nevertheless, this was the atmosphere at the end of the morning portion of SMC's Professional Development Day, also known as Flex Day, which took place on Thursday, March 14.
In a speech titled "Back to the Basics," Jeffery did not discuss budgets or the minutiae of college operations. Instead, she used her time to reflect on SMC's mission statement, in particular the five Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) outlined in it.
"What we do here is about changing human lives," Jeffery said, "of opening up possibilities."
It was her discussion of the fourth ILO which drew the biggest reaction from the crowd. The ILO reads, "SMC students will respect the inter-relatedness of the global human environment, engage with diverse peoples, acknowledge the significance of their daily actions relative to broader issues and events."
Jeffery said, "Today this is perhaps one of the most challenging and difficult things to accomplish because of the divisive behaviors being given center-stage in our society, in our government, and around the globe."
Her voice became passionate, often breaking with emotion when she spoke of this difficulty.
March 14, 2019. Kathryn E. Jeffery Superintendent and President of Santa Monica College shows a medallion given to her by "a person drawn to her" that day who gave her the medallion. Jeffery said later "its a reminder to fight my battles, every one has something different but it doesn’t make it less difficult. ( Janet Ali / The Corsair )
"There's some energy out there in our society that's making people feel vulnerable," she stated. "When there are hateful things that are scrawled on the walls of our public spaces, or unprovoked behavior that's thrust upon our college community from outside influences, these are things we will not support and tolerate at Santa Monica College. These are things that are intended to immobilize, emotionally-harm, distract us, and hold us in a place of shock and self-doubt. These are things that are intended to create the F word in us: fear."
Jeffery encouraged audience members not to succumb to these influences.
"We need to inspire them [students], to motivate them, to be proud that they came to Santa Monica College, to be proud that they're seeking education, and to be proud of taking whatever actions they need to take to step from fear into the light of hope and for having the audacity to want something more for themselves and their families."
The theme of the day was "One Size Does Not Fit All," which SMC Academic Senate President Nate Donahue explained, "refers to our institution's focused commitment to meet every student exactly where they are and…to tailor their SMC experience according to their specific needs."
This was readily apparent in the gymnasium, where the different-colored tables included helpful table tents that read "How to Ask For Pronouns" and "The Importance of Pronouns and Names." Members of the Professional Development Committee, who organized the event, also showed their support for LGBTQ students by wearing pride shirts with the words Proud to be SMC displayed prominently on the front.
March 14, 2019. Academic Predidant Nathaniel Donahue gives a speech about equity. He discusses different perspectives to incorporate students into Santa Monica College. The wish to make students from different backgrounds feel comfortable; First generation, students of color, differently able students, insecure housing students, queer students,to help them acheive the goal they came to complete at SMC. "by seeing our school through their eyes, where their social positionality we can unveil the invisible boundires and limitations imbeded in social and educational institutions. Their social marginality is also an opportunity for us as a both as individuals and as a community to strengthen our ability and improve our teaching and empathy for everybody ". ( Janet Ali / The Corsair )
March 14. 2019. Its a flex day for the students of Santa Monica College, but on that day all teachers, staff of the school attended the professional development day workshop. Brian Rodas gives a short introduction as the teachers come back from separate workshops hosted in different areas of the campus. ( Janet Ali / The Corsair)
Donahue's speech, which he delivered before Jeffery's, focused on SMC's commitment to closing the equity gap. He explained, "We believe that by centering our most vulnerable and resilient students in all of our practices and policies…we will create programs and services capable of meeting the needs of all students."
"Representation is not just a political game or a box to check," Donahue reminded listeners. "It means something to people who do not often see themselves centered in our society."
Many audience members were visibly moved during both speeches. Some sniffled. Others surreptitiously wiped their eyes. When the speeches ended, several people surrounded Jeffery and Donahue to speak to them.
"We're all in this together," Jeffery said, "And I'm in this with you."
March 14, 2019. Teachers, staff listen to Kathryn E. Jeffery, as she gives a speech during the spring professional development day. ( Janet Ali / The Corsair )