Naropa Alum Brings Prajna to Politics

Bao HHDL

Naropa recently received an exciting update from alumnus Bao Nguyen:

“I graduated 2006 MA Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies. Now as mayor of Garden Grove, California, I’m the first Vietnamese American Democratic mayor in the United States, the first directly-elected openly gay mayor in Orange County, California, and candidate for U.S. Congress, where I would become the first openly gay immigrant to ever serve in Congress.

I practice applying my Naropa contemplative education every day in my work as a public servant. Naropa has taught me how to develop authentic leadership skills to embrace the challenges of political life as opportunities to cultivate resilience and to be a warrior for peace and justice.

Last July, on behalf of my city, I presented the key to the city to the Dalai Lama and proclaimed the City of Garden Grove a City of Compassion on the occasion of His Holiness’ 80th birthday. Upon receiving the key, His Holiness said, “Compassion is the key to inner peace and happiness.”

See more information about me and my campaign at Bao2016.com and at Facebook.com/OfficialBao.”

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.