Letter from the Provost
Dear Students,
Welcome to the University of Northern Colorado! As chief academic officer of the university, it is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you to an exciting new stage of life as you become a UNC Bear. For over a hundred years, UNC has been providing a life-changing educational experience to generations of students, who have gone on to be leaders throughout the nation and the world, carrying on our legacy to future generations.
As part of your introduction to university life, I am pleased to give you this copy of the book that has been chosen by our campus community as the 2008-09 Freshman Common Reading, The Freedom Writers Diary: How A Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them, by Erin Gruwell. Every first-year student will be reading this book in preparation for arrival on campus for our “First Four Days,” August 21-24.
Just as UNC is well known for transforming the lives of our students and community, so this book is the story of the transformative power of education, as expressed in the work of Erin Gruwell, a 23-year-old teacher who taught “at-risk,” “unteachable” students in a very troubled inner-city neighborhood. As you will see, the power of literature and writing, along with the dedication of one extraordinary person, literally transformed attitudes and lives in a profound way.
We are also excited that at our University Convocation during the First Four Days, we will hear in person from one of the Freedom Writers. You will also participate in several activities, both in and out of class, focused on the book.
So please accept and read The Freedom Writers Diary as our gift to launch your college career. And please accept my most sincere welcome and congratulations on joining our community of teaching and learning.
Sincerely,
Abe Harraf, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President
Academic Affairs
The University of Northern Colorado