From welcoming new leadership, to exploring new ways of thinking, to conducting research and creating lifelong friendships, the CMU community had lots to say in 2018.
Here's a summary of some of the year's memorable quotes:
"While she started out as my advisor, she soon became my mentor and is now a trusted colleague." — Jeremy Marra
After his advisor, René Shingles, was the first African-American woman inducted into the athletic trainers' association hall of fame, Marra, an alum of the program, explained the impact Shingles had on his education and career.
"You can't control where you were born or what your parents believed, but you can choose to relearn or unlearn biases. Education is what allows you to change your thinking." — Jonathon Glenn
Glenn, assistant director of Multicultural Academic Student Services, emphasized the importance of educating and engaging students in diversity.
"Our goal was to show the students that people with every major — every interest — have something to contribute to solving a problem when they work together." — Jeanneane Wood-Nartker
Wood-Nartker, interior design faculty member, explained the mission of the Isabella Country Restoration House renovation project executed by honors students of varying disciplines.
"Education is a game changer. It's a life changer. Education changes the whole picture, for individuals, for employers and for the city." — Iris Ware
Ware, chief learning officer for the city of Detroit, discussed CMU's potential impact on employees in Detroit.
"What we hope is that each of our students in their own way will develop a transcendent appreciation for humanity. And then counseling will just be their vocation, but their care for people won't be limited to that." — Terry McGlasson
McGlasson, counseling and special education faculty member and founder of the Extra Mile student volunteer service group, received a humanitarian award from the American Counseling Association.
"We identify some of the world's most challenging issues and difficult questions, then tap CMU's most powerful resources — faculty expertise and the creativity of our students — to explore solutions." — Christi Brookes
The world languages and cultures faculty member reflected on the value of the Critical Engagements program, a collaborative project highlighting how the university is tackling some of the world's most pressing issues.
Students come to the realization that we're all in this together and that basic kindness, decency and compassion supersede generational gaps." — Eric Tucker
Tucker, a School of Music faculty member, described the impact of the Morey Senior Outreach Concert.
"We can all practice being less certain and more curious about what others bring to the table. We can be more self-aware and reflective in the way we respond to others." — A.T. Miller
CMU's new chief diversity officer shared his hopes and goals for the university as he takes on his new role.
"Just think, what I was holding was a piece of the early solar system that literally fell into our hands." — Mona Sirbescu
The earth and atmospheric sciences faculty member recalled her feelings after realizing the large rock she'd been asked to examine was actually a meteorite.
"I want every business professional in every industry to see the assets coming out of CMU. They should see that these students can help them solve complex business problems." — Dan Mahlebashian
The CMU alum and executive director of global business solutions at General Motors Co. shared his excitement for the quality of students coming out of CMU.
"I put all my effort into my work because of the great need of people in under-resourced areas like the people in my region. I am working toward something bigger." — Nicholas Banahene
Banahene, a doctoral student from Ghana, explained his motivation and passion for working with chemistry and biochemistry faculty member Ben Swarts in CMU's TB research lab.