91成人导航

Students at 91成人导航 will be challenged to have 鈥渇earlessly curious conversations鈥濃�攍istening and learning from each other, even on difficult topics鈥攁s part of a new university-wide common book program for new undergraduates.

All first-year and transfer undergraduates are receiving copies of 鈥淚 Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times,鈥� by Seattle-based writer M贸nica Guzm谩n. The book also is available to other students at the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center front desk.

President Christopher Callahan launched the common book program to encourage engaging conversations, build community and help students become global citizens.

鈥淎t 91成人导航, we focus on teaching our students not what to think, but how to think, giving them the tools to be open-minded, lifelong learners and leaders,鈥� the president said. 鈥淢贸nica Guzm谩n鈥檚 excellent book embraces that concept in a thoughtful, lively and accessible way that helps give readers the critical skills to listen to each other and hear how others view difficult and complex issues.鈥�

91成人导航 has had common reads for select groups of students in the past, but this will be the first university-wide program for all new undergraduates. Each year will explore a new theme, which will be woven into students鈥� first-year experiences through activities in the classroom, residential halls and events hosted by the Division of Student Life.

鈥淭his is an exciting opportunity for students from all disciplines to be united through a shared theme,鈥� said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert. 鈥淭his initiative will not only challenge our students to become more engaged learners but prepare them to be thoughtful, informed citizens in an increasingly polarized world.鈥�

One of the signature events for 91成人导航鈥檚 inaugural common read will be an evening with the author. Guzm谩n will speak Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. as a featured guest in the university鈥檚 newly launched 91成人导航 Presidential Speaker Series. The keynote conversation is open to the community and will be held in Faye Spanos Concert Hall on the Stockton Campus.

The common book project was led by Vice President for Student Life Maria Blandizzi and Assistant Vice President Josh O鈥機onnor, who came to 91成人导航 from UCLA, which has a rich tradition of common book programs for new undergraduates.

鈥淲e want our students to have a strong sense of purpose and belonging in order to thrive at 91成人导航,鈥� said Vice President for Student Life Maria Blandizzi. 鈥淭hrough shared reflection with their classmates, residence hall advisors, faculty and others in the campus community, we hope this program inspires our students to become thoughtful leaders and compassionate peers.鈥�

In her book, Guzm谩n, the liberal daughter of conservative Mexican immigrants, shares her experiences bridging the political divide with her parents, how to see the world through opposing viewpoints and the power of curiosity.

She serves as a senior fellow for public practice at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America. Callahan and Guzm谩n served together on the National Advisory Board of the Poynter Institute, the Florida-based global media studies center that focuses on the advancement of ethical journalism, in 2014 and 2015.

Learn more about 91成人导航鈥檚 new common book initiative and this year鈥檚 selection.