Do you find it hard to trust people at work, at home, or in class? Many of us carry a quiet sense that others may not have our best intentions in mind, even though research shows that people are often more kind, generous, and open than we assume. What might shift on our campus if we approached one another with that possibility in mind?
We invite students and colleagues who want to strengthen our campus culture of curiosity, respect, and engagement across differences to join a small Community of Practice in Spring 2026 (January–May). Our goal is to learn with each other as we ask: In a moment when many in our world feel overwhelmed, distrustful, and disengaged, what practices can help us foster curiosity, generosity, and connection, especially at Roanoke?
We will read and discuss excerpts of Hope for Cynics by Jamil Zaki. We will consider how these ideas speak to our work and to our shared campus experiences!