Stanford Urology Staff Retreat Blends Art, Learning, and Connection
Stanford Urology’s annual staff retreat brought together more than 25 administrative and research staff for a day filled with creativity, learning, and camaraderie. With art as the central theme, the retreat provided an enriching experience that blended insightful discussions, interactive activities, and an exploration of artistic expression across Stanford’s vibrant campus.
The day kicked off with a warm breakfast, setting the stage for an inspiring morning of art presentations. Attendees had the privilege of learning from two distinguished guests, Alexander Nemerov, PhD, and Sukey Bryan. Nemerov, a renowned professor in Stanford’s Arts and Humanities department, inspired the audience with his thought-provoking presentation, “The Call: Responding to Art.” His talk invited staff to explore the deeper meanings and emotional responses that art can evoke. Following this, nationally recognized artist Sukey Bryan led an interactive session that encouraged staff to tap into their own creativity, engaging them in hands-on artistic expression.
As the morning sessions ended, staff took part in an art trivia challenge that brought a fun and relaxed energy to the day, with a surprise visit from Joseph Liao, the department’s interim chair, making it even more fun.
Alexander Nemerov, PhD
Sukey Bryan
The second half of the retreat was dedicated to experiencing art firsthand. Staff took on a guided tour of Stanford’s Cantor Arts Center, where they explored the museum’s diverse collections, with a special focus on the Asian American Art Initiative. The visit provided a deeper appreciation of cultural narratives expressed through art, allowing everyone to connect history and storytelling with their own reflections.
To conclude the retreat, the group walked to the Lokey Stem Cell Research Building, where everyone participated in the Art Reflection Community Circle, facilitated by Shaila Kotadia, Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Stanford University School of Medicine’s Human Resources Group. This session encouraged meaningful discussions as staff divided into small groups, sharing personal connections to art and how creativity plays a role in their lives and work.
Spearheaded by Stanford Urology DFA, Shahla Haider, along with the organizing team, the staff retreat was not only a celebration of art but also an opportunity to foster deeper connections, spark inspiration, and engage in self-reflection. By incorporating art into the retreat, the department emphasized its commitment to creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning - values that contribute to a vibrant and dynamic workplace.
Alexander Nermov, PhD
A distinguished scholar of American culture, Alexander Nemerov explores our connection to the past and the power of the humanities to shape our lives. Through his empathetic, intuitive research and close readings of history, philosophy, and poetry, Nemerov reveals art as a source of emotional truth and considers its ethical demands upon us in our moment.
Sukey Bryan
Bryan’s artistic work has always been deeply connected to the environment and the elements. Whether working with pen and ink on paper or in large public installations that span buildings, the purpose of her work always comes back to raising climate awareness and exploring humanity’s spiritual connection with nature. Bryan’s work has been exhibited widely in the U.S. at galleries, colleges and non-profit art spaces and internationally through the State Department Art in the Embassies program.
