Talking Stick - January/February 2014 - 6

vision

Embrace Change
The lone fist rises in the air, signifying solidarity, the power of one - an emblem of the impact
of one individual or one common goal most notably depicted by Nelson Mandela.
Welcome to the New Year! I have been fortunate to meet and reconnect with many housing
colleagues over the last several months. One of the strategic priorities in our profession is the
internationalization of our campuses. This has never been more appropriate than it is now,
with the passing of Nelson Mandela, whose life's work is filled with efforts that champion
diverse people working together for the betterment of all.
After returning from the ACUHO-I Southern Africa Conference, I had the opportunity
to witness firsthand the transformative work by talented visionaries bringing together
housing colleagues across lines of color, culture, and socioeconomic status. The professional
development of housing professionals in Southern Africa has been monumental over the past
five years and includes innovations like the
LLL concept: communities defined not just by living and learning,
but also by listening. You will see this implemented in the housing
program at Stellenbosch University, recent host of the Southern
Africa Housing Training Institute. For a description of the program,
see ttp://www0.sun.ac.za/lllbeta/index.php/about-lll.
The power and influence of one common goal also built The
Student Hotel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where the campus
becomes the city and brings together not only students from
multiple institutions but also travelers
How will you be visiting the city. I had the distinct pleasure
tHe one on your of presenting at "The Class of 2020: The
Next European Renaissance," a conference
campus tHat
that cultivated and ignited constituents
provides tHe
representing builders, city planners, and
vision to move
investors in collegiate housing.

forward in
solidarity witH
our staff and
students?

At the Women's Leadership Institute
in Florida, the central theme was the power
of one leaning in, while reaching back for
another's hand, bringing them along through
mentoring and sponsoring. This annual
opportunity immerses women in leadership
experiences, allowing for self-reflection, invigorating programming,
and dialogue. While there, I had the opportunity to serve as an
educator-in-residence and to share experience, future planning,
and strategic thinking - a "bucket list" professional development
opportunity for women.
Just as Nelson Mandela led change for his nation and the world,
we must look to be agents of change on our campuses. As Mandela
emphasized, "Education is the most powerful tool you can use to change the world." How will you be the one on your
campus that provides the vision to move forward in solidarity with our staff and students? Leadership is about making
others better by your presence and making sure it lasts beyond your presence.
Patricia A.R. Martinez
ACUHO-I President

Talking STick

Talking Stick - January/February 2014

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