Dear Alumni and Friends, This season, we explore how mentorship is defining the student experience at Brooklyn College and shaping our intellectual culture. This is perhaps no better exemplified than through the expansive Tow Mentorship Initiative, which provides transformative academic and professional opportunities to students and faculty alike. We’re releasing this issue at a time when people on campus and around the world are mourning the innocent civilian lives lost in Israel and Gaza. As you know, members of the Brooklyn College community have close ties to the region. We are home to students of both Israeli and Palestinian background—Jews, Muslims, Christians, and others—who are suffering because their families and friends have experienced or are now at risk of violence. In trying times like these, it’s important to remember the values that unite us as a community. As an institution of higher education, we seek increased knowledge and understanding, and we strive to find common ground across our differences. At the heart of each of the stories you’ll read here, you’ll find this kind of deep mutual respect and witness the extraordinary generosity that enables all members of our community to thrive. Wishing you a safe and peaceful holiday season. Michelle
