  My greatest joy is writing for children and the happiness of seeing my books in the hands of young children, and of the many children in my family. |
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CELEBRATING THE
SPIRIT of Alma Flor Ada
Her Passion and
Legacy Shines On! Retirement Celebration organized by students and graduates from the International Multicultural Education Program, University of San Francisco Sunday, August
28, 2005 Still glowing
in the joy and gratitude for the beauty of the gathering on August 29, at the
R. White retreat center, I want to write my impressions, as a thank you to all
who made this event possible, to all that were there, and to share it with
those of you who could not be physically present but live with us the same
visions, the same hope. Since the
document is somewhat lengthy –you all know I am more capable of writing a book
than an article--, you will find it divided in several sections:
It has taken me
many days to write all of this, not only because of its length, but also
because I have been overtaken by emotion many times during the process. Last night I
heard Deepak Chopra speaking on the significance of love. He mentioned that
once a Nobel Prize winner had said: “This is the consolation prize. I was
hoping for Love.” So I must say
thanks for this prize, far more valuable than any Nobel Prize. Thanks for your
gift of Love. The
Celebration From the name
chosen for the event “Celebrating the Spirit”, to the beautiful poster, which
you will find in attachment, to the meaningful program and the incredible
cake, everything that took place at the R. L. White Retreat Center, a place
dear to all of us who have had previous retreats there, was exquisite, light,
fun, an expression of hope and a confirmation of our solidarity and the love
that nourishes us. A bright
California sky made the porch and lawns of this mansion turned into an open
space for educational gatherings a radiant stage. After socializing with each
other –and enjoying the good wine and delicious appetizers—we gathered for
lunch on tables decorated with flowers, miniature piñatas, and oversize covers
of many of my books. People sat with
friends, celebrating being able to see colleagues who live at a distance –some
had come from Southern California, from Oregon, even from Toronto. The tables
buzzed with conversation and laughter. And the time for desert came very
quickly. The cake was
one of the many magnificent surprises. A large reproduction of my picture
filled half of it. The other had the most meaningful message, which applied to
all of us: “Thanks for the Magical Encounter!” Indeed our encounter has been
magic, and all of us have grown in wisdom and courage, in strength and love,
in joy and hope through that encounter of such spirits! The cake was
followed by the program, which as in so many of our previous meetings was
highlighted by Peter Baird and his guitar. A handout with 5 songs was passed
around so that everyone would join in the singing. I have copied the words for
you at the end of this document. Following the
songs, Letty Ramírez, a living proof that our family extends beyond the
boundaries of students and graduates from the IME program, presented a
Certificate of Recognition from Senator Liz Figueroa. There were many people
who spoke, among them Dr. Susan Katz, who by now was very experienced at this
task, since she had spoken on the same topic twice before, once at the USF
Faculty Association Retirement Dinner, the other at the School of Education
Retirement Luncheon. Rebeca García González presented a framed original set of
her caricatures depicting our classes. Rosie Arena a magnificent piece of art
as a joint gift from all present. There is more about this later on. Drs.
Beverly Vaughn Hock, Peter Baird, Lupe Solís, Nancy Jean Smith, Marianne
Halpin joined in a dramatic reading of my book Friend Frog. Beverly
indicated that since she had heard me say that I wrote this story because I
identify with Field Mouse, who looks with so much admiration to wondrous Frog,
as I do to so many of my admirable friends, they wanted to recognize me as
their Frog. There couldn’t have been a greater homage –and what great actors
they all made! The program
concluded when all graduates and students made a circle starting from the
earliest one, Cristina Igoa, and culminating on the students whose graduation
we are looking forward celebrating this year: Lorena García, Karen Kaiser,
Dulce María Pérez, and Eva María Rodríguez. They honored me by calling
themselves my legacy. It is the legacy of many teachers, some of them long
lost to history, Others whose teachings reached me directly, or through their
disciples, I would like to acknowledge here: Félix Varela, José de la Luz y
Caballero, Manuel Mendive, José Martí, Dolores Salvador Méndez, Modesto Ada
Rey, Alma, Virginia y Mireya Lafuente Salvador, Rosa Peyrellade, Luz
Cebrián,Elena Catena, Alonso Zamora Vicente, María Josefa Canellada, Augusto
Salazar Bondy, Paulo Freire, Raimundo Lida and Bernice Randall. Those of you
who acknowledge having learned something from me, have actually learned from
them and from their teachers. This is the great promise of education, the
chain is unending. The Gifts In a way that make me feel like a Día de los Reyes, the wonderful “6 de enero” of my childhood, beautiful gifts were brought. They began with
your own presence, each of you, as I always reminded you at the beginning of
every academic year, a gift full of surprises; it continued with the beautiful
décor of flowers and miniature piñatas on the tables; with the fantastic cake
-- what a surprise and how wonderful that it would be a celebration of our
“magical encounter” , indeed our encounter has been filled with magic--, the
individual cards and flowers, the words spoken, the songs, and the dramatized
reading. It also included some gifts that now brighten my environment.
The fact that everyone of you present signed around the painting, creating a garland of your names, as the circle of solidarity that has always united us, makes it even more significant to me. It is not only the most beautiful, but also the
most meaningful gift I could have ever received. The
Participants How I enjoyed seeing all of you! I only wanted more time with each one. These are those who were able to be physically present, and I well understand the sacrifice and effort this entails. Thanks for making it possible with your presence. That so
many of you chose to extend this invitation to your families, and brought with
you parents, espouses and children only emphasize how much of a family we have
always been, we continue to be! Michelle Amberg-Espinoza
– Michelle faced this summer a difficult choice between accepting a Fulbright
fellowship to South America or accepting a job in Sacramento. This only speaks
to the professionalism and dedication of Michelle. May you continue to have
ample opportunities to share your gifts! Rosie Arenas –
among my “Reyes Magos” Rosie must have had the largest camel caravan, since
she came accompanied by her mother and father and her two daughters. This
three generations of the Arenas family represented such powerful symbolism.
This recognition to those who brought us up to be who we are, and the children
that will continue this chain of responsible and courageous living, is what we
are all about. I felt honored having Rosie’s parents, who I admire for their
long lives of hard labor, for the values they have been able to instill in
their many children, and the inspiration they have been for Rosie, and through
her for me. And it was a joy to see her two beautiful daughters that are
already beginning to fulfill their own promising futures. Martina Ayala –
In the last few years Martina has open many new roads creating a school rooted
on Critical Pedagogy and maintaining her creative light brightly shining. She
came accompanied by Alex Balmaseda and we thank her for opening the circle to
one more friend. Peter Baird –
while he continues to inspire and motivate future teachers in his classes as a
tenure faculty at Cal State Sacramento, Peter enriched our celebration, like
so many other times, with his guitar, his voice, his own songs and our
gathering by bringing his mother, Charlotte Baird, and his wife Joy, both
wearing brightly embroidered huipiles, both symbols of the strong women who so
many times exist quietly behind our best men. Their presence carried much more
symbolism and meaning that they may suspect. Thanks for supporting Peter all
along, and for joining us! Lola, Charles
and Sophie Barr – m y family was represented by my niece Lola Gardiner Barr,
her wonderful husband Charles, and my six week old great-niece Sophie, the
newest member in my family. This held deep symbolic meaning for me, since it
connected the past and the future: Lola was named after my grandmother Dolores
Salvador Méndez, of whom I have written in “The Teacher” in Where the Flame
Trees Bloom, and Lola is also, in her own right, a teacher and a bright light.
Sophie is the precious embodiment of the future, the living symbol of all want
to protect, all we hope to give a legacy of a just world. Jennifer
Benedict – like a ray of sunshine, Jennifer’s smile shined gentle kindness on
all of us. She continues to teach ensuring that her students know that
learning can be joyful, that there can be creativity in every act, and that
life can be lived with attention to the details that bring exquisiteness to
each moment –because Jennifer teaches who she is. She was accompanied by Cadu
Medina who we now greet as a friend. From Arizona, to Madrid, to San
Francisco, it has been so precious to share classes with you, Jennifer. Judith Bernhard
– Probably the person who traveled the farthest to attend this celebration,
all the way from Toronto, Judith may be physically distant but always present
in our hearts. Another example of how without being formally connected to USF
our lives can become professionally and personally interwoven. Judith is
actively working in a book for Columbia Teachers Press on transformative
early childhood education as well as several articles in the same field. Kristin Brown –
Kristin’s presence is always a gift I am thankful for, much so at this event
when I latter found out there had been recently a major loss in her family. So
much like Kristin, to put aside her own concerns to be there and give of
herself. She continues to strengthen the world with her publications –make
sure to look up her recent book co-authored with Jim Cummins—and by fomenting
ties between teachers across the globe. Kanani Choy –
brought along with the joy of her presence a wealth of wonderful memories and
the fragrance of leis who may be no longer but have never been forgotten. Elizabeth Cornu
– what a treat to have among the participants some very dear personal friends.
It was a delight to share my too worlds with each other and very generous of
Elizabeth to come. She has been extraordinarily busy designing and supervising
the exhibits for the opening on September 15th of the new De Young Museum. You
all would like to make a point to see this extraordinary new museum in the
Golden Gate Park, whether you live in the Bay Area or in your next trip to San
Francisco, and when you do, you’ll know who has been one of the persons
responsibly for the wonders in front of your eyes. Rocío Dresser –
how frequently, in conferences and presentations, do I hear glowing reports of
Rocío, by San José States graduates or students who share how fortunate they
have been to have been in her classes! Mari-Nieves
Díaz Méndez and Tania Álvarez – more than friends, sisters. What a joy to give
you a glimpse of my academic world, to allow my other family to get to know
you. Only I know what a sacrifice it was to come and how much I treasure that
you did! Elena Flores –
after having been for so many years the only Latina faculty at USF how
fortunate I was that Elena Flores joined the faculty, because she is not only
a Latina but an exceptional one. And how grateful I was for the students who
had the privilege of having her in their dissertation committees and thus
benefited from her insight and wisdom. Having the opportunity to share this
Celebration was Elena was particularly meaningful. Rosita and
Ernie Galang – we have shared a long journey, since the days in which the IME
program was housed in the basement of Campion Hall, then in Lone Mountain
until its final house in Presentation Hall. Thanks for coming to bring
memories of so many years, a road with so much development! Lorena García –
whenever I have been tired of traveling and speaking yet at one more state,
all I needed to remember was that such traveling had made me be in contact
with Lorena, and all the wear and tear from the journey disappears and only
hope remains. Thanks for bringing your beautiful daughter into our midst, that
we can think of her as our own, and rejoice in her growth and her inner and
outer beauty. And thanks for all you do for your students, for their families.
Rebeca García
González – when a great teacher becomes a teacher educator the authenticity of
her experiences gives relevance to the theories, when a teacher educator is as
sound a scholar as great teacher, teaching education achieves its highest
potentials. Rebeca is a great teacher, a scholar, an artist –the best possible
model for new teachers. What a promise for our classrooms! Susan Gold –
filled with powerful stories of her recent work in Japan and a smile that
always fills me with happiness. I look so much forward her forthcoming
dissertation! Marianne Halpin
– her unending enthusiasm continues to be focus on the richness that
literature can bring to children’s lives, in networking among the Japanese
American community, in particular the young people of mixed ancestry, and in
her precious grandchildren. Thanks for being such a meaningful presence in
Reading the World, Marianne, and in my life. Tracy Heffernan
– bubbling joy, laughter, light, radiance, reflection that always leads to
hope, unending creativity, have been the gifts that Tracy always brings with
her presence. She continues to share theatre and literature with students in
numerous schools, enriching their lives. Thanks for the fairy dust you
sprinkle whenever you go, and for being in my life! Barbara Hood –
keeps the IME program running smoothly and is always ready to do one more
favor. She continues to be the practical mechanism that has allowed the dream
and vision of Reading the World, and the miracles that Bev and Marianne
perform on creating such amazing programs, to become an effective reality.
Always efficiently there never was IME better run, in its thirty years of
existence, than under Barbara’s stewardship. Cristina Igoa –
recently returned from México, from speaking to a wide audience on the
experiences of immigrant children, Cristina is busy with the publication of
her second book. Knowing how much her first book, The Inner World of the
Immigrant Child, has contributed to the field and how much it is appreciated
in teacher education programs, we will all look eagerly for the next one. Karen Kaiser –
all the way from Portland, Oregon, always present. We are so pleased to see
Karen’s health restored and to witness her enthusiasm for Children Literature
based Family Literacy Projects, the focus of the dissertation she is about to
finish and which will be a valuable contribution to the field. Susan Katz – on
the several occasions related to my retirement in which Susan was a speaker,
she has generously repeated that one of the factors that lead her to accept a
teaching position at USF was my presence in the School of Ed. But this
statement has a reciprocal one, once more I would like to state that a
decisive factor for me to feel comfortable retiring is Susan’s presence at IME
and the assurance that she will be supporting and expanding the vision of
social justice for many years to come. Anita Malhorta
and Raj Mehta – our retreats were always occasions to see old friends and meet
new ones. This celebration has not been an exception. We welcomed Anita
Malhorta, a doctoral candidate that has honored me asking me to be a
participant in her dissertation, and her mother, Raj Mehta, a former
university professor in India. Rosario Morales
– for several years now Rosario has enriched the Teacher Education Programa at
Cal State LA with her knowledge and her dedication. It is only appropriate
that she has been promoted to Full Professor. Congratulations! This time she
came accompanied by her husband. It was a pleasure to meet Robert, who has
always supported her work from those days in which he brought her to the LA
airport and picked her up after the “doctoral week-ends.” Rose Lee Patrón
– although Rose Lee is still at home in Fresno, recuperating from a major
stroke, the Arenas family stop to see her on the way to the celebration and
were able to bring me hugs and messages of hope and inspiration from her, and
her signature is the first on the garland around the painting. May your
determination and the strength of your spirit keep nourishing you as you
inspire us all with your courage and extraordinary sense of humor in the midst
of these trying times. What an example you are! Dulce María Pérez – in her rich journey, from her Dominican Republic birth place, to the East Coast, to the Salinas Valley, Dulce María has always found ways to support the community. At USF she brought us the richness of her precious Amelia, un rayito de sol, to rekindle our determination to protect innocence and strife to guarantee the rights to a socially responsible future for all children. Dulce fell in
love with Cuba and is now devoted to complete her dissertation which focuses
on the work of two Cuban children book authors. Kimberli
Persiani-Becker – we were saddened by Kimberli’s decision to leave the Bay
Area, missing the joy of her presence, yet we know how important the work she
is doing as a tenure tracked faculty at Cal State LA is for large numbers of
future teachers. She keeps active in conferences, many times co-presenting
with Kevin Graziano, multiplying the opportunities to share her experience and
knowledge and is also engaged in writing. Aurora Quevedo
– The many years since Aurora’s graduation have only contributed to strengthen
the bond, even at those times when we haven’t been in direct communication,
because the underlying commitments are so firm. She is now Bilingual Director
of the San Jose High School District. Aurora, you are an inspiration to all
Latinas Eva María
Rodríguez – probably one of the persons in the group that I have known for the
longest time, Eva María has always been the dedicated teacher who knows that
young children’s capacities are unlimited if only the adults believe in them
and give them the space to grow. All those Kindergarten students in your class
who become effective readers will have their lives enriched by their positive
encounter with books. Barbara
Selvidge – came in radiant golden colors and was the artist behind the
creation of the precious book. She has taught us how it is possible to deck
scholarly material in creative wrappings, a gift that contributes to the
uniqueness of IME. Duarte Silva –
the mastermind behind all the retreats, He has always brought the latest news
in the field and his insightful analysis, and with his unique gentleness has
been able to guide us through the agendas, regardless of the diversity of
topics and interest. His generous spirit has been the best catalyst to our
gatherings and his sense of hospitality has made us feel at home and help us
harmoniously bond. How can we thank you, Duarte? Jerilynn Smith
– her sense of friendship has always led Jerilynn to walk the extra mile. A
strong supporter of the Society of Title VII Fellows and a wonderful advocate
of our program, in Washington, and in all professional environments,
Jerilynn’s commitment and generosity are an expression of the best in this
program. Nancy Jean Smith – one of the organizers of the day. There to greet us all with her motherly pride. While congratulations are in order to Nancy Jean, who is now Full Professor at Stanislaus, I suspect the achievements that makes her most proud are her handsome twins, who are completing high school this year, and having obtained many doctorates, as they accompanied Nancy through her own studies and beyond, they are planning on starting their own college journeys. They will
continue to make her, and all of us, proud. How beautiful it is to see them
now, young men, when we had them in our classes and retreats when they were
just beginning to read! Guadalupe Solís
– he has always been present, taking upon himself the task of creating a
directory that would help us communicate, and any charge that was needed to
keep us going. Always excited about sharing his professional achievements and
his activities on behalf of his school district and other districts in the
Central Valley, never has he been as happy as this time sharing the pictures
of his first grandchild. Beverly
Vaughn-Hock – the day Bev decided to join the IME program she transformed it
for ever. Her interest in children’s literature gave me the stimulus, and
permission, to follow my own love and add several new courses to the only
previously devoted to this field. Her example led others to want to focus
their dissertation research in the area of children’s literature. Her
determination to not see the tradition of a children’ literature conference in
the bay Area die, when the one in Hayward was interrupted, led her to propose
as a class project that we organize a conference. I had many years ago
organized some international children’s literature conferences at USF but it
would not have happened again without Bev’s enthusiasm. That she understood
the value of her classmates recommendation that as part of IME the conference
should focus in multicultural literature with a social justice emphasis shows
her openness. That Reading the World has become such a nationally important
conference is a tribute to Bev’s capacity to infuse enthusiasm in a team and
make friends among the best authors, illustrators and scholars in the field.
That today there is an MA in Children’s Literature at USF a direct outgrowth
of Reading the World. The IME program is fortunate to have Bev’s presence. Cheryl Winkley
– when Cheryl began attending the retreats she was not an IME student, but a
student in another program. Slowly what started as an IME minor became her
focus, and she took the decision to transfer into IME. How lucky we were! She
has made the program proud with an excellent dissertation and me very grateful
that she would decide to pursue the analysis of the implementation of Authors
in the Classroom by dialoguing with teachers, administrators and teacher
educators. There is much
more that I would like to say to, and about, each one of you. But this
document is already dangerously long. Please hear all I want to say hidden
within these words: All love, unending gratitude. The Words in
the Book This amazing book is a reflection of the artistic talents of Barbara Selvidge and her book-making art. The pages are actually multicolor envelopes –green, light blue, red, light green, orange and purple—each inlaid with unique shinning paper. Participants were invited to write their messages, on color paper of their choice, to decorate them with elements provided, or create their own, and place them in an envelope. The envelopes are bound to each other with gold paper that allows the book to open as an accordion. The book covers are the shape of the open envelopes, and beautifully covered with a striped green and gold paper. On the front cover the word Letters is embossed. All the materials are exquisite, the overall effect extraordinary. And, of course, this is the wrappings for the gems, the words that were written. Because they were written in the moment, they shine with spontaneity, becoming even more precious. All of
you who write are much too generous when it comes to speak of me, but it
pleases me, because you should know that I am nothing, has been nothing, but a
mirror to reflect your inner self. Anything you have thought was in me, really
is only a reflection of what has always been in you. I was simply privileged
to be there to reflect it back to you! Although I
realize there is no way to share the radiance of this book, I have described
with each entry the color of the papers and the decorations people choose to
add to it, in an attempt to give you more of a feeling for it. [on pale green
paper, with added golden silhouettes of trees, and a star] Dear Dr. Ada, My favorite woman of letters…you inspired, you nudged (gently). You created space, you gave space. You encouraged, you gave courage. You emboldened. You opened new vistas and provided maps, not too detailed, so that we could discover our own nooks and crannies, our own niches, and invited you there. You made us star gazers, torch bearers, metaphor binders. You led us to where the path curved round the bend, out of sight in the undergrowth. You grew us up. Thank you.
[on pale blue
paper, with purple ink, in bold strong handwriting] Dr. Ada: I will never forget your contributions to my success. Thank you for believing in me even when I questioned my abilities. Here’s hoping your creativity, inspiration, and graciousness continues to live with me as I move ahead on this journey.
[on pale green
paper, with bright green ink, and added golden hearts] Dearest Alma Flor Thank you for everything – Who you are and how you have given so much to me as well as to many others. ¡MUCHÍSIMAS GRACIAS POR TODO! Con mucho amor, abrazos y besos,
[on blue paper,
with an added blue and white star] Alma, It has been an honor serving along side you as faculty at USF. You were a role model for me as I embarked on the unknown journey of academic teaching and all that it involves. Just knowing you were nearby to go to provided me much comfort and support. I hope that I can inspire the students I teach with the vision and empowerment of their beliefs for social justice, as you clearly have. May you feel comforted by the love and legacy you have left behind, which is now multiplied in more places than you realize. You are truly awesome and blessed. Enjoy yourself! Con cariño,
[on light blue
paper, with four multicolored stars. Inside it contains a photo showing:
Kristin Brown, Judith Bernhart, Isabel Campoy, Jim uommins, Alma Flor Ada and
Barbara Flores.] Dearest Alma Flor, You are with me in spirit, always. With love and gratitude,
[on red paper, with a knitted finger puppet in the shape of a rooster, made by personally by this gifted storyteller, pasted on the front. A balloon out of the rooster’s beak says this rhyme, she composed referring to the characters of my beloved tale of the “rooster who went to his uncle’s wedding”: Come one, come all, sheep, sheep, dog, dog, fire, fire, stick, stick. It’s a
celebration…] …for a
wonderful storyteller and teacher!
Thank you, Alma Flor
[On light blue
paper, with purple ink]
Querida Alma Flor: Siempre recuerdo los grupos cooperativos, las presentaciones y la forma en que leías poesía, especialmente a Martí. Me quedaba sumamente impresionada y me prometí que trataría de trasmitirle la misma pasión a mis estudiantes. Alma Flor,
dejaste una gran huela en mi forma de ver el proceso educativo a nivel de
universidad y siempre recordaré con cariño todas las maneras en que nos
mostraste lo que puede hacer un profesor comprometido. Muchas gracias de todo
corazón,
[On light blue
paper with purple ink, and an added heart and star] Dearest Alma Flor, there are no words to express how I feel about you, but if there is a word, it is Gratefulness! What an incredible influence you have been in my life since I was fortunate enough to meet you along my life’s path— May this transition bring you all the happiness you truly and richly deserve and bring you close to those who you love – Lovingly,
Duarte [on pale green with multiple golden stars, a tree, and an abstract symbol in dark pink. Enclosed the song sheet.] Querida Alma flor, My little poem expresses my love and gratitude for your impact on my life. You are in my heart as I teach and grow. Your voice is there to remind me to write and publish. Your example is enduring. May you continue to find joy in your family, your writing, travels and all of your IME/worldwide children. Con amor en la lucha,
Poema para Alma
Flor Ada Can you imagine My favorite teacher? Her voice full of laughter, Her eyes always dancing, Her life a
commitment. She’s inside me When I work with my young and old students Who, like me, are becoming strong teachers like her. Our best times are often with her books and stories. We reach for
the stars as we read into her world. Can you imagine
my luck to have known you? Alma Flor Ada, tu nombre un poema. Alma Flor Ada, tus hijos somos todos Alma Flor Ada, te damos las gracias por los libros, las clases y el amor que no termina.
Con amor, Pter J. Baird, 2005 [On purple
paper, with an added purple and silver Herat] Alma Flor Quiero darte las gracias por toda tu ayuda y apoyo. Ahora siento que soy una mejor persona y maestra pues me enseñaste a ver la vida por medio de los ojos de los niños.
[On red paper,
artistically decorated with different size stars] Querida Dr. Ada, le voy a decir
lo que siento en párrafos pero no en palabras [pasted star]
y un [drawn arrow pointing to] [large drawn
star. Inside the star it says: Amor Belleza Esperanza Sonrisas Alegría Luz
Sueños Usted es una estrella Con cariño,
Amelia M. Pérez [on light green
paper, with dark brown ink] Dr Ada: “All” I can think of to say is how you changed my life! I talked to you at NABE’02 about the program at USF and that night I applied. I have never been the same since! The program and you have changed my perspective, stretched me in ways that I never knew even existed. I thank you for how you have done it w/such grace, love, patience, and encouragement! Always #1 cheerleader but pushing me forwards. What a perfect combination for a mentor! I’ll never be the same! I hope to always have your words and the words of those who have gone before us, e.g. Freire, etc. always present in my everyday activities so that I can give even a fraction of what I have been given… I am so blessed and so lucky to have had that “Magical Encounter” with you in Philadelphia. May you find time to do what you love best and do best… write!
[on orange
paper, with green ink, and added strip of orange and silver and an orange
tree] My teacher Dearest Alma Flor – In all ways you teach me through your wisdom, your humor, your kindness, your wise judgement, your reminder always that the best use of power is to share it with others, with your keen intellect and your keen creativity. I could go on for the rest of my life trying to tell you how you have changed my life but I will try instead to show you by being the best I can and living what you have taught!
[on light green
paper, with bold black ink] Dr Ada – How can I ever express how dearly I treasure who you are, what you do and how you live your magnificent life.
[on purple
paper, with red ink] Querida Alma Flor: Guarda este día en tu memoria, para la historia. Cada gesto, es una vida que compartió tu paso. A tu lado,
[on light green
paper, with red ink] Alma, querida Alma – ¿Qué decirte? ¿Qué eres alma, corazón, flor floreada, almaada, admirada y amada, eterna alma. Que bueno que somos amigas y
[on light green
paper, with red ink] Bueno, no me extraña nada este homenaje puesto que todo eso y más tú mereces. Gracias por ser quien eres y gracias (mil más) por tu amistad. Cuídate mucho. Un abrazo (un super abrazo)
[on light green
paper] Dear Alma, You are an amazing person! You are an inspiring mentor, a wonderful colleague, and an embodiment of social justice. On behalf of the faculty and students I thank you for everything you’ve done for IME! I wish you the best.
[on light blue
paper, with dark blue ink] Dearest Alma Flor From my heart to yours… thanks you for being you… first and foremost for your life on mother earth. Thank you for sharing your light with me an encouraging me to share mine. Thank you for believing in me as I grew and learned to believe in myself. Thank you for giving of your physical self even when it was a sacrifice for you. Sister, mother, teacher… as long as life gives time in this dimension I commit my life to continue our work, our love.
[on light green
with a heart, a leave and the word “Felicidades”] Estimada Dra. Alma Flor Ada, ¡Gracias por todo su apoyo a través de los años! ¡Felicidades!
[on light green
paper, on the cover the drawing of a happy face surrounded by numerous stars] Dear Dr. Ada, I have wonderdul memories of the past 20 years. Knowing you has changed me. I am so glad I’ve met you and hope to always keep in touch. With lots of love and smiles,
[on purple
paper, with purple hearts] A mada maestro, L o que usted me ha dado lo guardo en el centro de mi corazón M i mundo interior y exterior cambió, se transformó, cuando sus libros y luego su persona cruzaron mi sendero. A miga, maestra, consejera, mujer, madre, compañera, esto y más es lo que su nombre y su presencia evocan en mí. Con mucho agradecimiento,
[on purple
paper and black ink, with an abstract decoration] Querida Alma Flor, Soy Carlota Baird, mama de Pedro, y es un privilegio muy especial de estar aquí hoy para verte y saludarte otra vez. I am so grateful for all the warmth and encouragement –and challenges—you have given Meter. Your many achievements are indeed a model for Peter, as for so many others, and I warmly greet and admire and salute you for all of this! Con cariño,
[on bright
green paper, heart, star and tree] Dr Ada Thank you for the opportunity to learn through your inspiration. Many people have impacted my life. Through changes of my life others will also be impacted. My wife and I thank you and for ever have you in our hearts and mind. Your student for ever
[on purple
paper, blue leaf and star, orange heart] Dear Alma Flor, As you know, many pieces of literature state that the ending is also the beginning. I hope that is not too much of a cliché because that thought gives me hope for growth, maturity, wisdom, continued joy and happiness. All of this I wish for you. I am delighted that our paths have crossed. With much affection,
[blue paper,
gold ink, orange stars] Dearest Dr. Ada, You mean so much to me, so much to all of us. You and Dr. Campoy are always and forever in my heart. Muchas gracias y muchos besos,
I relieve a common theme amongst most of your students is that you believed deeply in us and encouraged us to further our education.
THANK YOU! [on orange
paper, with a deep green stripe, blue star and heart] Querida Alma Flor, muchísimas gracias por todo! Thankas a million for that call and invitation to study with you in the multicultural doctoral program at USF. Social justice was right up my alley. Your enthusiasm and inspiration, your belief in my talents, the time you took to encourage me to keep going has changed my world forever. “To be real to be honest” and to encourage my students to succeed has been my life commitment. Thanks to you! May today be a new beginning for you to continue to express your creativity.
[on purple
paper, artistically decorated with blue and silver stripes, and a silver star,
with black ink, my name in red] A nuestra estrella, no fugaz sino constante y firme Alma Flor, la estimada amiga, fuente de inspiración, compasión y fuerza, mis felicidades y enhorabuena le doy. Te agradeceré tu modelo y apoyo para siempre amiga.
To our star not a shooting star, but constant and firm, Alma Flor, the good friend, a source of inspiration, compassion and strength, my congratulations and best wishes. I will always be grateful for your model and support forever your
friend.] [on blue paper,
a silver leave, a golden heart] Dear Alma Flor, Congratulations on your retirement. I wouldn’t have missed this special occasion for the world. You have been such an inspiration for me ever since I met you. Your wonderful words of support throughout my doctoral program at USF and the wisdom about social justice and equity continued to resonate in my daily life. Thanks for being a great mentor and most of all a friend. I hope that we will continue to see each other as I always think of you and your kindness. Enjoy your retirement! Love always, Rosario Morales Felicidades! [blue, with
inlaid purple, multiple perforated stars over gold paper, large blue star] Dear Dr. Ada, I can never thank you enough for your guidance and friendship during these past few years. You have been a guiding light to so many students, parents, and children. I feel so fortunate to have you as a mentor and friend. Blessings,
Cheryl Winkley [on light blue
paper, with gold ink] Thank you Alma for being the wonderful person you are and for inspiring so many of us,
[on orange
paper, with red ink] Muy querida Alma Flor: No sabes cuánto me encanta poder compartir estos días con ustedes. Estaré eternamente agradecida por el cariño, respeto y comprensión que siento al estar con ustedes en vuestra casa. Te veo y estás renovada con tantos proyectos y planes que es contagioso. Espero poder seguir trabajando para crear autores y puentes donde antes había barreras. Gracias por todo, por tu entusiasmo, sabiduría y cariño. Deseándote todo lo mejor del mundo,
[in light blue
paper, with a star, a tree and a heart] To Alma Flor Ada - our star - the tree from whom we all have sprung - who holds our hearts forever more In thanks and love,
[in red paper,
with small perforated star, and a silver star] Alma Flor Ada Blessings to you in this new journey. Thank you for your wisdom, heart and gracious ways. You have changed the Baird family forever.
[in light green
paper] Dear Dr. Ada: After arriving from Texas I was a lost ship and you gave me hope, you nourished my soul and mind. You gave a new light, you provided me with a new opportunity in California. Thank you for allowing me to join and participate in the retreats, CABE, NABE and USF gatherings. I wish you the best, se lo merece. Felicidades y mil gracias. Letti Ramírez
CSU East Bay (formerly Hayward) By the way I
became a full professor this year. Thank you again. [on gift cards
enclosed with the Fall flowers bouquet] Dear Alma Flor, sorry I cannot be there on this special day of honor. Mil gracias for all the inspiration and love shared during USF years, and the values and vision I carry on into our continuing work at New College. Siempre con amor,
Sudía Paloma (McCaleb) [a light green
paper, decorated with multicolored hearts, labeled Cariño, Dreams,
Inspiration, Besos, a purple insert written with teal ink] Dear Alma Flor, I want to thank you for inspiring me to be a creative independent thinker. You taught me many lessons that I have tried to implement since my departure from USF. You have inspired me to open my own independent community alternative school based on Paulo Freire’s philosophy. I am now working at Pacific Oaks College developing bilingual curriculum for Family Child Care Providers. I’m writing books for children and soon I will open a tuition free accredited college in Los Angeles. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have met you –you taught me that everything is possible. I am especially grateful for helping me discover CUBA –an experience that transformed my life! Thank you for the magic, inspiration and opportunity. I hope my actions speak louder than words. Love, Martina Ayala
class of -97 Quoting Martina
I conclude this section acknowledging that the beautiful words from all of you
are even more beautiful because they are supported by your actions! All my
gratitude to you, for the generous words and for your everyday actions. Let your light
continue to shine brightly to illuminate the path of many –and do take time to
look inside and rejoice in your own inner radiance! Thoughts on
Retirement “Retiring” was
never a favorite word or thought in my mind. I do not understand retiring from
teaching as I would not understand retiring from loving, from hoping, from
being. I suspect I was the most surprised by the decision to “retire” from the
University of San Francisco [USF] –what it really meant is that I realized
that my finite energies needed to be redirected and refocused. The
International Multicultural Program has been a most important part of my life
for 29 years. It is there that I was able to interact, to learn from, and grow
with so many of you, as students and colleagues. It was through my work there
that I was able to meet many other professional friends and mentors. At this moment
the International Multicultural Program at USF is very well established. While
several other colleagues (Dr. Messerchsmith, Fr. Collins) have also decided to
retire or are in the process of planning to so (Dr. Galang), there is a
vibrant new faculty to continue the work. Dr. Susan Katz is a strong supporter
of the vision of education for equality, social justice and peace. And some of
our own graduates continue to teach in the program. Dr. Jackie Reza continues
to inspire students and guide them in the awareness needed to embrace
anti-bias education and life styles. Dr. Inés Gómez shares her scholarship and
deep understanding of immigration issues and critical pedagogy. Dr. Beverly
Vaughn-Hock has raised the presence of the Children’s Literature Program to
national highlights through the Reading the World Conference, which has
attracted to our campus some of the best-loved and most recognized authors,
illustrators and specialist in children’s literature. On the next conference
on March 11th and 12th the extraordinary program will include two Newbury
Award winning authors: Katherine Paterson and Sue Ann Park and the
unsurpassable illustrator Ed Young as well as numerous other presenters. While I will
always be connected in memory, experience and best wishes with the IME
program, my presence there is no longer needed. It is a joy to know that this
year many new students have joined this program thus assuring its continuing
success. The celebration
that was so generously plan and so exquisitely developed was really one more
occasion to get together and to affirm that we, graduates, students, faculty,
staff, family members and friends, are really a loving community whose ties
are stronger than the physical environment where we have interacted, because
they are ties forged through a common vision of respect and appreciation of
all human beings, and all living forms, of hope in the human capacity to
create better destinies and more promising futures, to strife to attain what
has yet to be a human experience of full acceptance of others, of commitment
to equality, of true justice as the basis for lasting peace. It is the
combination of these beliefs and the determination to renew in our daily
actions our determination to walk always towards such utopia, as the only way
of continuing to create the path, our praxis, that makes us recognize each
other as our own being and our being as an extension of each other. Free of ego, of
competitiveness, of the jealousy and envy that so frequently plague the
academic environment, we rejoice in each other beauty, in each other
achievements, in each other realizations as our own, providing nourishing
environments for dialogue or support through the physical distances. What a Magical
Encounter, indeed, it has been! One of the
friends who joined us yesterday remarked, “I have never seen so many wonderful
people all together in one place.” I laughed
because it has been a constant remark I have made to myself. What a magnetic
field was developed between all of us which has attracted such like-spirited
individuals, apparently so diverse, in origin, language, age, gender, and
deeply so harmonious. Let’s not only
treasure the memories of the past but continue to walk towards the future
nurtured, comforted, strengthen by knowing we live in solidarity, sharing a
vision for an ecologically protected world, for a society oriented towards
justice, building everlasting peace. All my gratitude and all my love.
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