Assistant Dean's Message - September 2024

September 2024

 

My grandfather was a nature enthusiast. He used to take me on walks with a plant identification book and point out the trees and flowers along the way. He did the same with insects and other crawling things like snakes. My favorite was, and still is, the toad. We would build little homes for them out of foliage and overturned flowerpots. (Toads, by the way, are good to have in your garden, eating up to 100 insects a night!) By the time I was a young teen, I wasn’t afraid of any bug or bat, and when I had my children, I taught them, too. Ultimately, they also pressed leaves and rescued errant spiders that got inside the house. That process of lifelong learning and sharing is what makes the College of Education and Human Development such a great place. This coming month we have so many opportunities for you to interact with the next generation of Owls. We know that when you do, you offer them the chance to see the world differently and the ability to appreciate the path that you have taken. Please join us! 

 

Warmly,

Kirsten Halker-Kratz

Assistant Dean, Development and Alumni Relations

January 2025

Recently, I was the organist for a funeral of a gentleman who hiked over 216,000 miles over the span of three decades. Such a remarkable feat! He called these hikes his “journeys,” and enjoyed each of them, even if it was merely a quick walk in our local state park.

One of the best aspects of my role is hearing about your journey. I ask what brought you to Temple, to the CEHD, to your current career. Your responses are varied, but one thing is consistent from alum to alum—preparation. Your time in the nest prepared you for whatever hike you ventured upon. Often you have a mentor/professor that fortified your steps along the way. Your recollection of classes you enjoyed, internships you completed, friendships you made all shaped your Temple adventure. Thank you for giving me that opportunity to share your trek with others, and for a chance to inspire alumni to give back their time, talent and treasure to the college.

From fledgling owlets to Temple Owls, I hope to hear more of these stories as we start 2025. You can reach me at .

Warmly,

Kirsten Halker-Kratz

Assistant Dean, Development and Alumni Relations