Loving the Dear Neighbor in Times of Challenge and Division

December 2, 2023

Dear STA Community,

There is nothing quite as beautiful as witnessing the wonderful sisterhood at STA. We have that spirit now, and it has been an enduring ethos for generations.

As I write this, I am still reveling thinking about last night’s Stars basketball games, not because we won the games, necessarily (although that is definitely a sweet outcome), but because of how the games showcased teammates of all races, ages, sizes and backgrounds cooperating to achieve a common goal. Similarly, this year’s Christmas artwork with Stars holding hands (designed by senior student Lucia T.) is an accurate depiction of the beautiful diversity, love, and sisterhood that we have at STA. If you haven’t seen it yet, watch your email. You’re in for a special treat!

I am so proud that the legacy of our founding Sisters of St. Joseph is part of our Catholic community. Cardinal Robert Sarah once stated, “A Catholic culture worthy of the name would be a catholic one – which is to say, it would be capacious in spirit. It would model virtues such as gregariousness, intellectual curiosity and munificence.” In other words, we must promote a community that is generous with welcoming hearts, mindful of the fact that God welcomes all.

Our surrounding local communities, our nation, and our world have a lot of problems right now. Many of these complex issues reflect racially charged tensions, power struggles, biases and broken spirits. I want to assure you that the Academy’s top priority is to promote respect for diversity, equity, inclusion, safety and belonging each and every day. God’s spirit is alive and will ensure that light and love will triumph over all evils. Our founders’ charism is to love the dear neighbor without distinction. As it is written in Matthew 22:39, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Every day, we diligently monitor events and happenings in our broader community so we can proactively address potential disruptions to our campus community. Our administration, faculty and staff, and professional security team are constantly working to ensure safety and wellbeing. Like all communities around the globe, we also face challenges and difficult situations. One thing is absolutely certain, however. We have no room for hatred at STA. The lines that divide us are never as strong as the ties that unite us. With honesty, open communication, empathy, and a mindset rooted in prayer, we will get through anything. At STA, we will always listen to each other and problem-solve with love. Working together, we will remember our mission and remember the importance of prayer, grace and love. We cannot take this for for granted. We must continue to work together in concrete ways to show love for each other and our neighbors.

I am immensely moved by the conduct, compassion and care of our STA community. Our sisterhood is a true reflection of the values of our Academy, and I could not be more proud.

I encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with our outstanding faculty or  staff members, or with me.

In the words of St. Teresa of Avila, “In this house, all must be friends, all must be loved, all must be held dear, all must be helped.”

God Bless,

Dr. Siabhan May-Washington
President