The Daily Bulletin Archive

The School of Education welcomes alumna Robin Tolsma (’05, ’07) to campus on Thursday, March 20, for a presentation on her journey from teacher to activist after losing her husband in the crash of Flight 3407. Her talk from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Bacon Hall 115 is free and open to the public.

Since the tragedy, Tolsma has spent her time learning how to forgive, comprehend, and move forward. Along with members of other families affected by the tragedy, she has worked tirelessly to pass the strongest federal aviation bill in history to improve flight safety and pilot regulations. Tolsma is a former English teacher and the author of Everything Changed, a book that seeks to motivate and support those who are experiencing hardship or tragedy.

Tolsma’s journey from teacher to activist resonates well with our Year of the Teacher focus on the many enactments of teaching and learning that move individuals toward peace and justice, and make our society flourish. Her lecture encourages audiences to release hate, to never say "why me?" or feel shame for the way we grieve, and to use the educational tools we are given to make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.