Confluencenter for Creative Inquiry

Sneak peek from Banff, Canada 🇨🇦

Our director, Dr. Javier Duran, and Program Manager, Yadira Caballero, attended the Consortium of Humanities Centers and Institutes (CHCI) Annual Meeting. Besides taking in the beautiful views of Banff, they joined conversations on the role of the humanities in addressing today’s most urgent challenges and imagining more just futures. 🌎

Stay tuned for more photos and highlights from their trip! 📸

This year, our director, Dr. Javier Duran, was invited to deliver the Spanish welcome at the University of Arizona’s 2026 commencement ceremony, sharing a powerful message rooted in respect, responsibility, reciprocity, and resilience.

In his remarks, Dr. Duran recognized the perseverance and sacrifices behind every graduate’s journey, especially those of first-generation, migrant, and international families whose dreams and determination helped make this achievement possible.

At the Confluencenter, we are proud to see these values reflected on such an important stage. Dr. Duran’s message speaks to the heart of our work: fostering dialogue, uplifting community voices, and creating pathways for more inclusive and humane futures through the arts, humanities, and public engagement.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓

Last week, the Confluencenter was proud to co-sponsor this year’s Raquel Rubio Goldsmith Lecture in Ethnic, Gender & Transborder Studies featuring keynote speaker Cherríe Moraga 🌟

From powerful conversations on Xicana feminism, q***r identity, and social justice to the celebration of the lasting legacy of Raquel Rubio Goldsmith, this event brought together community, storytelling, and scholarship in a meaningful way. ❤️

A special thank you to everyone who attended and supported student scholarships for the Ethnic, Gender, Transborder Studies & Sociology Department at Pima Community College.