Freedom is always experienced in relation to others,"
notes contemporary educational philosopher Maxine Greene. She says that "We are free, not because we are unencumbered, but because of our capacity to envision and to create forms of society that respect one another's integrity and needs for recognition, reciprocity, and dignity for each of the particular communities that define America's immediate realities."

Long Island University has a long tradition of expanding its walls beyond One University Plaza, reaching neighboring communities by sharing a variety of cultural and educational experiences. Through strong and comprehensive community ties, our University fulfills its mission of educating the citizenry of our great metropolis. Experiential learning is a cornerstone of our educational programs, and thus students enrolled in the University never lose their connection to the community. Our students participate in a variety of learning opportunities such as the Long Island University Plan, cultural programs, community service initiatives, and various other curricular activities. Additionally, we sponsor numerous outreach efforts within Brooklyn's many neighborhoods which include degree granting extension programs, corporate collaboratives, and Liberty Partnerships.

The Brooklyn Campus community is a diverse population in an even more pluralistic society. For this reason, the bond to issues beyond prescribed traditional learning is essential if we, as a city and a country are to survive and prosper. Central to the task of educating individuals to live in a free democratic society is the teaching of tolerance and respect for differences through shared experiences and commitments. By building new relationships we create a place of respect and knowledge for the multiplicity of experiences that commit us to individual and communal understanding. Hopefully, this understanding will then establish a richer sense of mutuality and communality throughout society.

Please join me as I share the richness of multiple communities and commitments that is Long Island University - through our connections to the community.

Gale Stevens Haynes '72, '76
Provost, Brooklyn Campus
Long Island University