Touchstone - Spring 2012

PREFACE

Carmen I. Coballes-Vega, Ph.D. Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

As the fifth anniversary issue of Touchstone is published, we are inspired by its contribution as a scholarly publication by Eugenio María de Hostos Community College faculty, staff, students, and community partners. In the book, Leading with Soul, by L. Bolman and T. Deal, the authors share their thoughts about the connec- tion between “community and the cycle of living.” They write, “We build significance through the use of many expressive and symbolid forms: rituals, ceremonies, icons, music, and stories. Humans have always created and used symbols as a foundation for meaning. Organizations without a rich sym- bolic life become empty and sterile. The magic of special occasions is vital in build- ing significance into collective life.” (p.110)