Farewell Letter from Aydin Nazmi

 

Dear STRIDE family:

Anicca is the Buddhist doctrine that refers to the impermanence of all things. As my time as director of STRIDE nears an end, I am reminded that everything passes in due course. In June, I passed the baton to Suzanne Phelan, a capable researcher at Cal Poly, who will be running with the momentum we have generated to forge a new phase of development at STRIDE. 

Thinking back on the unbelievable work that we have done together, I offer my sincerest gratitude to the people who have helped make STRIDE stronger today than it has ever been. Representing the best of Cal Poly and the community, you, our STRIDE family, are responsible for our success. Our work together has benefited people across the U.S. and throughout the scientific community. From growing STRIDE to be a universitywide center, to engaging in capacity-building projects with dozens of community partners, to conducting innovative interdisciplinary research, to providing professional leadership opportunities to hundreds of students each year, it is clear that we have made a significant impact. 

I am indebted to all of STRIDE’s faculty, staff and student stakeholders and especially Stephanie Teaford, STRIDE’s community liaison, who embodies the mission and vision of our Center with uncommon dedication and enthusiasm. Stephanie represents STRIDE within many community-based groups in San Luis Obispo and across the country and her myriad talents are an essential resource to our organization, students and faculty. Thanks, Stephanie, for making my job easy. To Casey Heaney, STRIDE’s talented coordinator, who ensures proper harmonization of all the balls we have in the air at any given moment, we appreciate your juggling skills. Finally, a special shout out to our STRIDE students, Cal Poly’s best and brightest, who are the backbone of all of our operations. Almost 150 students experience Learn by Doing through STRIDE programs every year, and the best part of my day is inevitably watching them learn, grow and thrive. Their hard work and commitment make STRIDE tick, and their successes bring me great satisfaction.

Leading STRIDE has been a great adventure for me, an enriching experience that has shown me the importance of innovation and the power of the collective. And although anicca indicates that all things pass, I feel confident in saying that the sense of pride I feel in our accomplishments together will have no end. 

Before we get too nostalgic, let me direct you to some of the highlights of this quarter’s newsletter, as always produced by our talented team of students and staff. As usual, we’ve been having fun while being extremely productive: Check out STRIDE’s first Smarter Lunchrooms makeover and a special project for our senior citizen neighbors. Also, STRIDE student employees have once again been recognized as outstanding by President Armstrong and the university. Way to go, team!

Cheers,

Aydin Nazmi