By Michael Templeton, Currier Times Staff///

As soon as you hear President Jay Gonzalez speak, you can tell that this is a man who is no stranger to the art of public speaking and a man who is no stranger to connecting with people.

With a long background in politics and government, his carefully crafted choice of words and his willingness to not only speak but listen, is something to behold. On Oct 10, 2023 President Gonzalez held a Town Hall meeting in the Katz Gymnasium of the Student Center to directly hear from the students on their experiences, and how they feel student life on campus could improve.

It was evident that as the town hall started off, President Gonzalez was grateful for how the community has received and welcomed him in the months since his tenure began on July 31st, 2023.

‘’I’ve said this to staff and faculty, but particularly to the students who I haven’t had a chance to thank, I just want to thank you for your warm welcome of me, in this new role as President of the college and you all have been so amazing, and so welcoming and generous and patient with me, and I really appreciate it,” Gonzalez said.

These words from the president set a positive tone for the meeting that allowed everyone to not only feel like their presence and participation mattered, but also set a precedent which establishes the kind of leadership that President Gonzalez embodies. A leader who understands that it is the little things, like showing kindness and generosity that go a long way.

The president went on to discuss the importance of community and how much that matters.

‘’As individuals, our individual success, and whatever role we play and whatever reason we’re here, is dependent on each other,” he said. “Whether you’re a student, working hard to graduate from Curry College and get through your classes, whether you’re a faculty member who cares deeply about the work you’re doing to educate our students, whether you’re the president of the college who has the unique power to deliver an agenda for the college, we all need each other and we’re all dependent on each other for that individual success.’’

These words by the president were impactful, as it served as a stark reminder of how much we are all equal as a part of a larger whole, particularly in such a small and close knit community that thrives on the ideals of helping each other out and centering ourselves in that sense of a larger whole.

The president concluded his opening remarks before launching into the student Q&A portion of the program with his hopes for the Curry community, a moment that reflected his true sincerity and integrity as a leader.

‘’I want us to be a community that lifts each other up. No exceptions,” he said. “That we enjoy each other, we have fun together, we support each other individually, and as a team. We look out for each other, we’re there for each other when we need to be and we know that we can depend on one another. Where everyone feels they belong. Everyone. And nobody is meant to feel less important.”

Many students participated in the Q&A, and as each student was speaking, Gonzalez listened intently and took copious notes. Each concern raised was met with a thoughtful and meaningful response from Gonzalez which left a feeling in the room that he cared deeply about every concern that was addressed, and a sense that he was going to do everything in his power to build a better Curry, one step at a time.