Dear CIIS Alums and Friends

Inspired by its founding vision of inclusion and its tradition of engaged spirituality, CIIS continues to devote itself to the service of others. Social responsibility and community service are vital parts of our academic program.

As you read through this issue, you will see many ways in which CIIS helps others in both their personal and professional needs. The programs and activities described here also enable the Institute to expand its visibility in the Bay Area and well beyond.
In our local community, CIIS sponsors six counseling centers, which have been rated "The Best of the Bay" by the San Francisco Bay Guardian. In addition, CIIS offers a new MA program in Community Mental Health, which has been well enrolled. Support for these centers and this program comes from a variety of sources, including the City and County of San Francisco, The California Wellness Foundation, the Lisa and John Pritzker Family Fund, the J.C. Kellogg Foundation, and The San Francisco Foundation. This impressive backing from other organizations is unprecedented in CIIS history and is testimony to the quality of our work.

As a leader in higher education, CIIS serves other colleges and universities by sponsoring national conferences. In February, CIIS Public Programs hosted "Expanding the Circle: Creating an Inclusive Environment in Higher Education for LGBTQ Students and Studies," which drew over 350 participants from over 150 colleges and universities. It also attracted as cosponsors leading national organizations in higher education.

As we expand our alumni gatherings around the country, we are being invited to serve other local communities. For example, at the recent gathering in Portland, alums were eager to have CIIS offer workshops in counseling psychology.

I am grateful to all of you, the greater CIIS community, for everything you do to improve the quality of life where you live and work, as well as to enhance the service of professionals in a broad range of areas.

Joseph L. Subbiondo
President