With special guests present, SPO celebrated the beginning of the new academic year at the Palmer House on Friday September 30th. The evening began with announcements made by department Chair, Pedro Meira Monteiro, during which he thanked SPO staff and welcomed new faculty to the department. His comments were followed additional announcements by professors Alberto Bruzos Moro, Marina Brownlee and Natalia Castro Picón who extended a warm welcome to new grad students and concentrators. Pedro Meira Monteiro continued by introducing Lane Kauffmann who recently established a fellowship for SPO concentrators in honor of his late parents and acknowledged the attendance of former department chair Angel Loureiro.

Attendees enjoyed lively conversation over a delicious meal followed by a night of dancing. More photos can be found on the SPO Facebook page.