March is Women’s History Month. Growing up in a family with
six sisters and a selfless, compassionate mother shaped my life beyond measure.
I am forever grateful for their support, encouragement, and friendship. During
my time as an undergraduate at Temple University I had the great fortune to
meet my wife Deanna. She has been a constant source of love and inspiration. It
has been the honor of my life to partner with her in raising our strong,
confident, and caring daughter Lauren. I am enormously proud of the woman she
has become.
I encourage you to use the occasion of Women’s History Month
to recognize, celebrate, and thank the women in your life. Without doubt, there
are influential women from family members to friends, teachers, professors,
caregivers and countless other roles who have helped you become the person you
are today.
This year’s official theme for Women’s History Month is
“Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” At Commonwealth
University, we have many exceptional women working to promote and advance these
ideals. I am grateful for the work they do every day in service to our students
and our communities.
Women throughout history have been indefatigable champions
for equality and fairness. Let us be reminded of their brave spirits as we
continue the good work they started to ensure that our places of learning, working,
and living are warm, welcoming, and open to all.
Inspirational leader and changemaker Malala Yousafzai said,
“I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice
can be heard…We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” To our
students, I say keep raising your voice in support of your future and those
around you. Use it to lift up the women in your life and look for ways to promote
diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that you do. You have the power to
challenge and change the status quo—just as so many women before have done.
Finally, as we celebrate Women’s History Month take a moment
to reflect on the women who have made a difference in your life and those who
have made a difference in the world. Think about the courage and compassion
they have shown in their support for you and through their efforts to make the
world a little more kind and welcoming. Let’s challenge ourselves to follow
their example and act with both courage and kindness. And remember that courage
looks different for all of us. In the words of writer Mary Anne Radmacher,
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end
of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”
Bashar W. Hanna, President
Celebrating our Courageous and Compassionate CU Students
