thedrifter
07-18-09, 06:56 AM
Friday, July 17, 2009
Learning From the Few, the Proud
SDSU Director of Diversity Aaron Bruce's experience at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Quantico will help prepare for the expected influx of combat veterans.
Not everyone gets to visit U.S. Marine Corps Base Quantico, home to training facilities for the U.S. Marine Corps, the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
But, Aaron Bruce, SDSU director of diversity, had just such a chance to visit the base in Virginia as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Educators’ Workshop. While there, he learned about one of the world's most powerful military fighting forces and its commitment to leadership and education.
A unique culture
“The Marines definitely have a unique culture focused on outstanding leadership and service,” Bruce said. “Understanding how Marines work, how they learn and the challenges they face are important steps in preparing SDSU to effectively welcome the next wave of student veterans.”
Bruce was one of about 30 university administrators and faculty invited to participate in a three-day workshop. Bruce met with leaders in the Officers Candidate School, Marine University, Marine Corps University Library and Alfred Gray Research Center.
Impressions of Iwo Jima
Bruce saw martial arts demonstrations, fired rifles and pistols, and participated in physical fitness leadership challenges. But, out of everything he saw and experienced, Bruce was most impressed by the sunset parade at the Iwo Jima Memorial.
“The Marines perform a silent drill using rifles with bayonets,” Bruce said. “They toss the rifles in the air to one another, spinning them around with effortless poise and absolute precision.”
Viewing Marines through the lens of diversity was Bruce’s focus throughout his tour of Quantico. Similar to ethnic communities or historically underrepresented groups, Marines possess a unique culture and set of experiences that require understanding. Bruce noted that visiting Quantico dispelled some of the myths and stereotypes he had about the Marine Corps.
“The media has a huge impact on what we think about the Marine Corps,” Bruce said. “The USMC Educators’ Workshop gave me a much more informed perspective on the intellect behind the renaissance warriors, who take unusual pride in being the first to fight.”
Connecting with alumni
One of Bruce's highlights of the trip was connecting with some SDSU alumni. One recent graduate, 2nd Lt. Dan Maher, had just completed navigation training in Officer Candidate School earlier in the morning when he stopped by to say hello. Maher spoke fondly of his fraternity days at SDSU. Minutes later, he was off to another assignment.
Bruce also met a panel of Marines accepted into the Meritorious Commissioning Program. Marines participate in a 10-week class at Officer Candidate School, and then attend college for up to 18 months to complete their baccalaureate. Some will attend universities in the California State University system this fall.
“Learning more about the diversity of our campus community is something we all should consider,” Bruce said. “Our campus is committed to the success of all students, including student veterans and their dependents. I am delighted that faculty and staff are preparing for the next wave of veterans attending SDSU.”
In coordination with the Student Veterans Organization, SDSU Veterans Affairs and the Office of the President, campus workshops will be offered through the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Center for Human Resources beginning in the fall semester.
Ellie
Learning From the Few, the Proud
SDSU Director of Diversity Aaron Bruce's experience at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Quantico will help prepare for the expected influx of combat veterans.
Not everyone gets to visit U.S. Marine Corps Base Quantico, home to training facilities for the U.S. Marine Corps, the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
But, Aaron Bruce, SDSU director of diversity, had just such a chance to visit the base in Virginia as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Educators’ Workshop. While there, he learned about one of the world's most powerful military fighting forces and its commitment to leadership and education.
A unique culture
“The Marines definitely have a unique culture focused on outstanding leadership and service,” Bruce said. “Understanding how Marines work, how they learn and the challenges they face are important steps in preparing SDSU to effectively welcome the next wave of student veterans.”
Bruce was one of about 30 university administrators and faculty invited to participate in a three-day workshop. Bruce met with leaders in the Officers Candidate School, Marine University, Marine Corps University Library and Alfred Gray Research Center.
Impressions of Iwo Jima
Bruce saw martial arts demonstrations, fired rifles and pistols, and participated in physical fitness leadership challenges. But, out of everything he saw and experienced, Bruce was most impressed by the sunset parade at the Iwo Jima Memorial.
“The Marines perform a silent drill using rifles with bayonets,” Bruce said. “They toss the rifles in the air to one another, spinning them around with effortless poise and absolute precision.”
Viewing Marines through the lens of diversity was Bruce’s focus throughout his tour of Quantico. Similar to ethnic communities or historically underrepresented groups, Marines possess a unique culture and set of experiences that require understanding. Bruce noted that visiting Quantico dispelled some of the myths and stereotypes he had about the Marine Corps.
“The media has a huge impact on what we think about the Marine Corps,” Bruce said. “The USMC Educators’ Workshop gave me a much more informed perspective on the intellect behind the renaissance warriors, who take unusual pride in being the first to fight.”
Connecting with alumni
One of Bruce's highlights of the trip was connecting with some SDSU alumni. One recent graduate, 2nd Lt. Dan Maher, had just completed navigation training in Officer Candidate School earlier in the morning when he stopped by to say hello. Maher spoke fondly of his fraternity days at SDSU. Minutes later, he was off to another assignment.
Bruce also met a panel of Marines accepted into the Meritorious Commissioning Program. Marines participate in a 10-week class at Officer Candidate School, and then attend college for up to 18 months to complete their baccalaureate. Some will attend universities in the California State University system this fall.
“Learning more about the diversity of our campus community is something we all should consider,” Bruce said. “Our campus is committed to the success of all students, including student veterans and their dependents. I am delighted that faculty and staff are preparing for the next wave of veterans attending SDSU.”
In coordination with the Student Veterans Organization, SDSU Veterans Affairs and the Office of the President, campus workshops will be offered through the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Center for Human Resources beginning in the fall semester.
Ellie