Manhattan College Main Campus.
MANHATTAN.EDU/COURTESY
By Andrew Mannion, Asst. Sports Editor
Long-time assistant dean of the former School of Liberal Arts (SoLA) Dianna Cruz, announced on March 24 that she would be departing from Manhattan College.
She addressed students of the former SoLA about her departure in an email.
“It is with mixed emotions that I write this email to inform you I have made the decision to leave Manhattan College to pursue other interests and opportunities,” Cruz wrote. “For the past two decades I have been privileged to work with students pursuing degrees in the liberal arts. It has been an honor to help the thousands of students who have come to Manhattan College reach their goals and graduate.”
Starting her career at MC in July 2002, she has spent over 22 years at Manhattan College in various positions. She has been the assistant dean of liberal arts for the past 13 years, helping thousands of students in many different situations. She spoke to The Quadrangle about her departure from MC as a challenge.
“My decision to leave was a tough one,” Cruz said. “The idea of starting somewhere else is terrifying but that’s why I’m doing it. Ultimately, I believe that this decision will help me to continue to grow and learn. I have always challenged my students and have encouraged them to face the things that scare them or make them uncomfortable. When you are uncomfortable you seek to change that, which in turn helps you develop and grow.”
It’s no secret that her impact at the college has been immense. Faculty and students alike have noticed her presence around the school. Specifically, Michael Grabowski Ph.D., spoke to how helpful she was within the department.
“She was here when I first arrived in 2010,” Grabowski said. ”Anytime I had a question or had a problem that I was trying to figure out, whether it was a variance for a course for a student or what requirements were needed, or how to set up a program so that the state of New York would accept it. Dianna Cruz not only had a ready answer, but she was always willing to help.”
Students come across tough situations in their academic careers all the time. One student in particular, Nate Aaron, asked for help from Cruz when he was switching majors. He was able to speak to her helpfulness throughout the process.
“I didn’t talk to her that much,” Aaron said. “However, she did help me a lot when I was switching my major, and she did a fantastic job with that.”
With Cruz gone, all previous SoLA students will get a new advisor, Lisa Juncaj.
Grabowski spoke on the smooth transition between Juncaj and Cruz, while noting similar traits that make for a great advisor.
“I see a lot of similarities,” Grabowski said. “I’m grateful that we have had people like Dianna that really focus on the student experience because it makes my job easier, since I can focus on curriculum and working with students in that regard. But secondly, they serve as a really great support system so that if I have a student coming in and they’re going to study abroad, or they took a semester off, how to get them back on track. I know that I’ve got people to rely on that can help me with that.” As Cruz departs, MC will look to Juncaj to take on a big role in advising. Cruz will be missed at the college and has left behind big shoes to fill, but many have high hopes for the future of the program when it comes to advising students.