I guess it’s appropriate that the last paper issue of Elsie Speaks coincide with my last Letter from the Director. We started together twenty years ago or so and now we’re both moving on. When I began at the Language Center, the Director was Nancy Stenson, Linguistics’ faculty member, and I was one of two-half time graduate students, along with one undergraduate student office worker. The Language Center had ONE computer, two language labs (not so different in function from the DiLLs) and a video viewing and recording room (much like the current Jones 35). Everything has expanded since then, rooms have been added and with them, computers. Electronics are all digital, and most strikingly, the LC staff has increased more than ten-fold to more than forty, including around twenty-four student staff, to keep track of over 120 computers. The LC provides facilities, resources and services to nearly all CLA language instructors and students.
The Language Center has been the perfect place to combine my skills in tinkering with my passion for languages and teaching. I’ve thrived in the job: the technology, the spaces, the many and rich languages and cultures, the teaching, the constant learning and above all, the people. It is with appreciation, respect and gratitude that I leave. Although at this point I’m not totally sure of the precise direction I’m headed, I believe it will be toward language teaching, either here or abroad – a full circle kind of move, for it was my love of teaching that brought me here.
Although the current economic situation is difficult, the Language Center has just learned that the College will move forward with a national search for a new Director (pending Provost approval). The search planning has already begun, as has the optimism and excitement. I’ll bid you the final adieu this coming June, but I’ll start now by extending a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for the strong support you’ve provided to me and to the Language Center. It is your dedication to truly enhancing the language learning and teaching experience through the use of technology that keeps us going.
- Jenise Rowekamp, Director CLA Language Center