I am very excited to announce the funding through generous donations of the college’s first endowed professorship: the Bhagwan Suparshvanatha Endowed Professorship in Jain Studies. Bhagwan Suparshvanatha, in whose name this program is being established, was an apostle of unconditional nonviolence and austerity. This endowed professorship represents a powerful partnership between CU Denver and the Jain community and aligns with the university’s 2030 Strategic Plan goal of becoming an equity-serving institution. Jain beliefs and practices will be represented visibly among the offerings of the college, aligning with the university’s goal to be officially recognized as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
The professorship will open as a visiting faculty position in fall 2022, with a search for the permanent, tenured-track level professorship in fall as well. This new position will be dedicated to educating the next generation of global citizens in the fundamental principles of Jainism, including nonviolence, non-attachment/non possessiveness, and plurality of views and beliefs. By developing undergrad- and graduate-level courses that emphasize Jain studies, this position will introduce students to the history, culture, philosophy, and art of the Jain religion. Additionally, the person will engage the broader community, including the Jain community in North America, building bridges between the community and the university. Ultimately, by virtue of this partnership, the university will engage students in applying the practical significance of underlying Jain principles to foster enduring peace, social harmony, and ecological sustainability.
We will be celebrating the signing of the commitment to establish this endowed professorship with the donors at a virtual celebration on Thursday, February 24, from 4:00 – 5:00 PM, and you can register to receive the Zoom link. For more information contact CLAS Director of Development Ali Fernandez at alison.fernandez@ucdenver.edu.
