Dr James Brann has been the Director, Student Communications, Division of Student Services at CSU for some time and this is his last week. I have enjoyed working with James over many years. He wrote a fantastic farewell email today - here are some excerpts -
I’m a Charles Sturt alumni and I started my undergrad with the University in 2002. I remember walking down the huge steps of our big lecture hall in Bathurst to hear Frank Marino wow a captive audience on the small protrusions of Seasmoid bones (did I get that right Frank?), begging Denise Wood for an extension on an assignment that I had clearly forgot about, discussing how the industry is still a very elite experience and importance of equity with Alan Bain and struggling to pronounce “Piaget” (Pia-get??) during an excellent tutorial by Sharynne McLeod. At that time, I barely knew what university was about and can vividly remember relaying these new experiences to my grandfather in Gilgandra who was a retired sleeper-cutter who thought I was wasting my time and “probably should be getting a trade”.
I know my grandfather would be proud, because I did end up getting a trade and I’m incredibly privileged to tell people that I work in education. I’ll tell anyone that listens, that education is a silver bullet and that I’ve been proud to be part of an institution that is truly student-centred with a real focus on expanding access to a high-quality education...
I’ve seen all your work up close, and while it might not feel like it every day, for a kid like me who was the first in their family to attend university, you do make a difference. I’ll spend several years thanking everyone, but as a non-exhaustive list before I go, I would like to thank: ...Professor Sharynne McLeod who swooped in out of nowhere and was instrumental in the completion of my PhD. You’re a credit to our institution...
Thanks James. Your thoughtfulness, energy and passion for people and the public good will be missed.
