College president: 'The river is a part of us'

(l to r) St. Mary’s River Watershed Association President Joe Anderson, St. Mary’s College President Dr. Tuajuanda Jordan and new board member Dr. David Lewis. 

St. George’s Island, MD — “The river is a part of us.” That’s how St. Mary’s College President Dr. Tuajuanda Jordan describes the relationship between the college and the St. Mary’s River. Jordan made the remarks as keynote speaker at the annual meeting of St. Mary’s River Watershed Association (SMRWA) Sept. 19 at the Ruddy Duck on St. George’s Island.

Dr. Jordan, looking out over the fog shrouded St. George’s Creek near its confluence with St. Mary’s River and the Potomac River, told the attendees “I am very blessed to be here.” She observed that she never would have believed growing up in Prince George’s County that she would have ended up in St. Mary’s County. She joked that in her home county, Southern Maryland “was a really interesting place not to go to.”

The college president then turned serious, noting that at her office she often gazes out over the river when she is contemplating another challenge in her very challenging job. She said the view rejuvenates her.

But the river provides more than just a view. She said it’s what’s on, in, over, inside and under that makes it important to the college and the county. And she observed that when she thinks of the river, she thinks of water and its importance to everyone. Later SMRWA President Joe Anderson noted that everyone is 95 percent water.

“All it has to give us is a single proton and electron,” said the chemistry major. She said if the balance of water is too positive or too negative, Things begin falling apart.” She added, “This simple molecule has so much power over us all. Water has power.”

Dr. Jordan said the college is embarking on a three-year plan. “I think that what remains constant is our reason for being,” she observed, and that being educating the college’s students. The river, she said, pays a big role in that educational opportunity. “The river is an essential part of that holistic experience,” she noted

“The river inspires uis. The river is part of us. We need to be mindful of it,” she said, adding, “The college takes protecting the river very seriously.” She said she looked forward to protecting the river through partnerships with organizations such as the association.

During the meeting five of the existing board members, including President Anderson were re-elected along with new members Paul Kellum and Dr. David Lewis, and student member Michelle Williams, a college senior from Montgomery County. Association Executive Director Bob Lewis (shown) conducted the election.

Dr. Jordan was introduced by college professor Dr. Bob Paul.  He praised Bob Lewis, saying, “He deserves the lion’s share of the credit for what we have been able to accomplish.”

The association’s annual River Fest is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the state house in Historic St. Mary’s City. The event will feature the annual wade-in by former senator Bernie Fowler. It includes entertainment, food, and exhibits. And, it’s free.

To find out more about the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association go to their website, http://www.smrwa.org/ or call 301-904-2387.

Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com