Dear students, alumni and friends,
I trust you’ve had a pleasant and productive fall. The start of the fall semester brought numerous personnel updates I would like to share with you.
First, two dearest colleagues no longer teach with us: Andréa Ferreira, who moved with her family to Australia, and Kathy Navajas, who is enjoying her well-deserved retirement. Second, Gillian Lord accepted a position as associate dean for student affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, while Jorge Valdés Kroff began a leave of absence to serve as division director for the National Science Foundation.
Moreover, we celebrated two faculty promotions: Jennifer Wooten (master lecturer) and Libby Ginway (professor), and two new administrative appointments: Jessi Aaron (graduate coordinator) and Jennifer Wooten (associate chair). Lastly, we welcomed two new colleagues: Gabriela Puscama and Francisco Marcos Marín, and four students joined our graduate program.
The stories in this newsletter highlight experiences from our faculty and students as they engage with the teaching, research, and public service related to Spanish and Portuguese languages, literatures and cultures. If you would like to support our mission, please consider a donation to the Spanish and Portuguese Studies Enhancement Fund during the Gator Nation Giving Day, which will take place on February 16, 2023. I hope you enjoy a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season in the company of your loved ones, and I wish you all the best for the New Year.
Saludos cordiales / cordiais saudações,
Luis Álvarez-Castro