Introducing Dr. Anthony Cruz

by Warren Murphy, Managing Editor

August 20, 2024

MATC student, and Times Managing Editor, Warren Murphy introduces MATC President Dr. Anthony Cruz to faculty at a Coordination Day event. (Photo courtesy of Tim Evans, MATC Marketing and Communications.)

I’ve never had a problem with public speaking. In fact, I sort of enjoy it. So when I heard that MATC was looking for a student to introduce Dr. Anthony Cruz, our new MATC president, at the fall faculty Coordination Days conference, I quickly put my name in the hat. After finding out that I had been selected to give the introduction, I quickly went to work researching Dr. Cruz. I started the intro with a very brief summary of myself, focusing entirely on my work with the MATC Times and District Student Association, quickly shifting the focus to Dr. Cruz and the theme for the event: mattering, belonging, and innovation. After drafting what I felt was a satisfactory introduction, I went to MATC’s Chief Marketing Officer, Anthony Tagliavia for feedback. Tagliavia said that the introduction looked great overall, but that people may be eager to hear more about my actual experience as a student – not just my leadership positions.

Now I’ve already stated that I enjoy public speaking, but I never anticipated having to speak in front of roughly 500 faculty members ABOUT MYSELF. Granted, I only had to speak for five minutes, and it was explained to me that if the introduction was a little less than that it would be fine. But, it was still terrifying. I immediately went to my family and friends for advice. I was asking them how I could get out of it and what I could say to avoid speaking about my past college experiences. In the end, I decided to write about my journey as transparently as possible. I mentioned my struggle to find a space where I truly felt like I belonged, and ultimately, my continued failure to do so leading me to drop out of multiple colleges. I finished writing my story with a remark about me finally finding a place for myself here at MATC. After hours of preparation, the day had finally arrived, and Dr. Mohammad Dakwar, VP of Learning, was introducing me to the crowd…

In retrospect, I had nothing to be nervous about. I was surrounded by amazing people who encouraged me at every turn. Dr. Cruz and the other presenters gave thoughtful speeches, and the event was a success. What I took away from this experience is that, when things don’t go according to plan, instead of stressing about it, lean into it. Ask for help, ask for feedback, and turn to the people in your corner for strength and advice. It was an absolute honor to introduce our new president Dr. Anthony Cruz, and it was an equal honor to be received so pleasantly by the faculty and staff of MATC.

About the Contributor

Warren Murphy, Managing Editor

My name is Warren Murphy and I am Managing Editor of the MATC Times. I joined the staff last year, and after consistently contributing as a writer, I was named Features Editor. This year, with our new Editor-in-Chief, Zanaia Joshua, selecting me as Managing Editor, I plan to help curate a student paper that serves as a true mouthpiece for the voice of our students. I am in the Liberal Arts Transfer program and I plan on transferring to UW-Madison to complete my bachelors after this upcoming fall semester. For fun, I love to play basketball and go to stand-up comedy shows with my friends and family. I originally joined the Times because I was having a hard time finding a space for myself on campus. If you're struggling to find your place like I was, I strongly encourage you to reach out and see how you can get involved. MATC Times believes wholeheartedly in the power of collaboration and inclusivity, as baked into our foundation by our previous Editor-in-Chief Christopher D'Allen, and as student leaders, Zanaia and I are working constantly to ensure we provide a space that welcomes ALL students.