August 11, 2023

Welcome to the Academic Year 2023-24.

With the upcoming gubernatorial election, another Covid surge, and continued natural disasters, I am reminded of the importance of the humanities’ emphasis on critical thinking, interpreting, and communicating with a range of audiences. As a public humanities center, CCHS continues to nurture partnerships and scholarship that do just that. For example, CCHS recently connected with community and campus groups to host a vibrant public event that unpacked the histories shaping recent Iranian protests. CCHS partnered with local veterans’ groups on a storytelling project to amplify unheard voices. And CCHS supported humanities scholarship that, among other things, addresses the needs of the unhoused, unpacks environmental injustice, explores what AI portends, and helps people navigate medical ethics. I am grateful CCHS can serve as a resource to cut through the noise surrounding these issues as CCHS supports and showcases the value of the humanities in contemporary society.

We have much in store for the upcoming year, and I hope to see you at one of our many events.
 

Sincerely,

Prof. Mary P. Sheridan 
Director, Commonwealth Center for the Humanities & Society