Remembering Catherine E. Supple

In the middle of a lunch break during the Sandra Cisneros San Antonio Circle symposium, Catherine Supple told me, “This is what makes culture so exciting. This is why people dedicate themselves to making art that matters. And this art really matters.” At least, this is how I remember the conversation.

We had a variety of conversations at different Center events, and I have to say that her experience growing up in working-class Los Angeles and going to school in Berkeley shaped her understanding of the humanities. She wanted to see art in the streets, hear people sharing stories that mattered intensely to others. She also wanted to see the variety of cultures she grew up with in California be part of the university experience, to have universities provide a broad mirror that helped students, staff and faculty expand their sense of themselves and their connections to others. I had a sense from her that she was deeply committed to the broad role universities play in American culture, as a place where everyone can share and grow and learn and contribute. This is a vision I grew up with and I am immensely pleased I could participate in her project.

I loved the conversations we had, once I got over the idea that she funded our center, because she was continually focused on the importance of art – poetry, short stories, musicals, histories – to people. She reminded me of the importance of our work, through her presence, enthusiasm, and active engagement with our presenters. She continually reminded me, do this because it matters, because it is important and because it is rewarding.

We will miss you deeply.

John Mckiernan-González
Director, Center for the Study of the Southweset