The Department of Spanish and Portuguese announces the departure of four lecturers effective this summer: Jeannie Byrne, Iria González-Becerra, Manuel Malia, and Jovana Zujevic.
 

Iria González-Becerra will be returning to England where she will be coordinating the Spanish provision at the Centre of Culture, Languages and Communication at Imperial College.

“While my stay was shorter than I expected—who’d have thought there’d be a pandemic—these were very intense and fruitful two years,” said González-Becerra.

“I was honored to teach and coordinate a broad range of levels, meeting fantastic students along the way and enjoying the work they produced. All of those are the professional experiences I am taking but what has mattered most has been the warmth of the people in the department, from day one—how everyone welcomed me with open arms— and all the friendships I have made in this time. I am really going to miss the people. I am also aware that I have lived here through historical times, not just because of the pandemic but also because of the social justice movements that have been gaining force in these last months; it has been a privilege to witness this.”

Manuel Malia plans to move and work in Spain. He noted, “My time in Princeton has been special because I have been blessed to work with outstanding colleagues. I have felt supported by the department all the time, and the students I have had were great.”

Jovana Zujevic will be relocating to England with her family, where she will continue to pursue her professional goals in the fields of education and cultural studies. Some of the highlights from her time at Princeton included her students “who were inspiring, dedicated, and able to think critically and creatively” and the “spirit of collaboration and camaraderie among my SPO colleagues.”

“It’s bittersweet when we have a group of excellent colleagues leaving, but I understand they have great professional projects in mind, and I wish Jovana, Manuel, Iria and Jeannie the best possible luck in their endeavors,” said Pedro Meira Monteiro, department chair. 

“Spanish and Portuguese is lucky to have had them, and we are appreciative of all they have done for our students. They will be missed!”

The department wishes them the best of luck on their future endeavors!