A Message from Dean Bill Tolman
This issue of Spotlight appears as we bring the 2023-24 academic year to a close with a sense of pride in the accomplishments of our faculty, staff, and students, as well as great excitement about plans for the future. Looking back, the opening of the Schoenecker Center stands out, and we celebrated it through numerous events, initiation of several new interdisciplinary projects (highlighted in this issue), and installations of exciting new works of art. Here's some of what I said about the building at the dedication on May 8:
“A key idea underpinning the design and purpose of this building is to connect art and science and engineering in the minds of our students and bring a truly interdisciplinary liberal arts education to life. Through connecting art and science and engineering, we hope to inspire creativity and innovation in our faculty and students.
The sculpture in the center of the atrium embodies the building’s foundational ideals. Called “Portal Icosahedron,” it was commissioned by the world-renowned artist Anthony James and purchased through the generosity of John P. Monahan ‘73. When considering what we needed in this atrium, the entryway to the building, we thought that it should speak to the harmony of science, engineering, art, and mathematics in a way that was startling; we needed something that evoked a profound and deep sense of wonder; something that was unique and distinctive; something that related this building to this place in Minnesota and to the values that underpin what we do at this university. And we wanted something which would help make this spot a well-known meeting place that would stimulate collaboration and buttress what President Vischer has so strongly argued for, our culture of encounter that brings us together for the common good. This piece does all of these things.
There are so many aspects of this work that make it such a fitting centerpiece in the Schoenecker Center. Perhaps the most stunning thing about it is the way it extends inward through reflections of its high symmetry to appear infinite, giving it a mystical, even spiritual and transcendental dimension. As suggested by the name of the piece, it appears as a door, a portal, into the enormity of the infinite universe. This spiritual component is especially fitting, as one could argue that this is the foundational connector that fully brings art and science and engineering into harmony. That harmony and interconnection is encountered by students and faculty and staff in this building every day. It inspires creativity, innovation, and a sense of wonder and curiosity. It embodies what we seek as a college of arts and sciences and as a university.”
As we continue to look forward to what the Schoenecker Center will bring to the wholistic education of our students, we are similarly excited by upcoming events and initiatives that address the issues of today through a unique liberal arts educational lens. One of particular note is the visit of world-famous author Colum McCann on September 24, who will speak on “Peacemaking, Grieving, and Storytelling” at a lecture open to the public that evening. Please register here! You can find more current and future events here on the CAS website, and via our social media channels: Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Bill Tolman
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
