Assistant Dean's Message - November 2024

November 2024

 

Four hours, ten pounds of potatoes, two heads of cabbage and four cups of cheese later, I had completed plates of perogies made from an old family recipe. Granted, they weren't all the same size or shape, but they were delicious.

Learning something new (in this case, how to make potato dough under a great deal of patience) is great at any age. Research has shown that our cognitive abilities can remain sharp throughout our lives with a steady dose of new skills and knowledge.

This month, we feature an alum, Dennis Skehan, EDU '76, that has inspired learning his whole life and is currently working with young soccer players. We also encourage you to consider supporting some of our youngest learners in the Intergenerational Center with a small gift to a library that will provide culturally sensitive books to the children we serve in the community.

We are grateful for you and your support of Temple University and the College of Education and Human Development.

 

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