Dear IIRP Community,
We celebrated our 18th commencement in July, a joyous time of celebration for our students and their families and friends, as well as our faculty, staff, and trustees. Each graduate demonstrated a steadfast commitment, not just to earning a distinguished degree, a Master of Science in Restorative Practices, but to studying a practice that will distinguish their value. The IIRP graduates share an ethos and dedication to build more inclusive and resilient communities and motivate us to be more curious, be more compassionate, and be truer to our convictions.
Our students, faculty, and staff are leaning into their diverse talents and challenging the status quo while remaining grounded in their commitments to affirm our human powers of voice, agency, and belonging. They provide us with the inspiration to remain resilient as an institution. Our resilient students are navigating challenges and violence with humility and grace; our resilient staff heal by pouring into others; the IIRP resiliently and consistently responds and adapts to a changing educational landscape.
Resilience is learned through acknowledging fear and unease but not giving way to it. Resilience is built, one challenge at a time, and is fortified by support. Supporting the IIRP can look like monetary giving, volunteering your expertise and experience, attending our events, connecting with our students, enrolling in the graduate school, and more. You are a part of our community, your example fuels our mission, and your support is vital.
Although our global society is facing particularly challenging times, we find comfort in knowing that the path forward is made brighter by our students and alumni, who are the compassionate leaders, competent changemakers, and inspirational community-builders our world needs to create thriving communities. I invite you to study with us, or support our studies, because this is a particularly inclusive and caring education that we need to survive and thrive in volatile times. Together, we can learn, teach, and share the wisdom that will help us disregard the noise and prize our shared humanity.
Linda J. Kligman, Ph.D.
President
