August 16, 2021
Dear College Community,
I want to welcome each of you to the Fall Semester 2021!
Even though we are mostly remote this semester, at CCSF we continue to move forward with our mission “to provide a sustainable and accessible environment where we support and encourage student possibilities by building on the vibrancy of San Francisco and where we are guided by the principles of inclusiveness, integrity, innovation, creativity, and quality.”
During this ever evolving and historic pandemic, we will find success by reaching out, to reach in, by working together, because we are all in this together. We can achieve anything through unity. The vision of unity was front of mind when renowned Mexican muralist Diego Rivera conceived his nearly 1,800 square foot portable mural Pan American Unity in 1940. Despite World War II being well underway, Rivera, an artistic visionary, chose to address the need for unity and cultural understanding during a global conflict. The past, the present and the future are colorfully depicted.
After his mural was completed, Rivera could have gifted it to any museum or university in the world. Instead, Rivera chose to gift the mural to City College of San Francisco. He wanted it to live at a public institution for higher learning that would serve the educational needs of diverse communities. Currently, the mural is on loan to SF MOMA for everyone to see and enjoy. I encourage each of you to take time to witness CCSF’s treasure and take in its message of UNITY.
This semester will be another unprecedented semester, but what I commit to you is a promise of unity, one that will be paved with listening, understanding and the spirit of working together, while keeping everyone safe during these challenging times. I commit to providing this community with a smooth transition for a permanent Chancellor for our beloved institution.
In closing, please wear your masks when visiting at campuses and adhere to social distancing. Further updates regarding the College’s response to the pandemic can be found on the COVID page.
In the spirit of unity, welcome and wishing each of you a productive Fall Semester!
Yours sincerely,
Dianna Gonzales, J.D.
Interim Chancellor