"Next" Magazine Vol. 2 Fall 2015 | Page 3

FROM THE DEAN » Education: It’s all about giving This past spring, on the day we unveiled the Jim and Kaye Burton Courtyard in the historic Taylor Education Building, it rained all morning. However, as if on cue, just before the planned unveiling, the clouds parted, and the sun cast its light on this wonderful new space for our students, faculty and staff as we celebrated with those who made it possible. While we, of course, had no control over the weather, that moment does symbolize for me much about the act of giving. Investing in a student – whether a College of Education student, or a person whose life will be impacted for the better by one of our graduates – is like sunshine after rain. It brightens, enlightens and warms those who are touched by that gift. In this issue of Next, the UK College of Education magazine, you will have the opportunity to read the stories of a sampling of students whose lives were changed for the better because someone chose to invest in education – specifically, to invest in that student, who in turn has the opportunity to become a leader in education and health fields through our excellent undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs. Through these programs, led by accomplished faculty and staff, our students are equipped to give back – and to make a significant difference in the lives of countless others. As you read their stories, I encourage you to consider how your life has been improved because someone chose to invest in you, and how you might pay it forward in the life of a student here at the UK College of Education. You may learn more about how to invest in our college by visiting our development page at educa [ۋ