One way to get someone’s attention, fast, is to say their name. Say it quiet or loud, nicely or rudely, and they’ll pay attention.

Long ago I was asked by a colleague a simple question, “Why do you always say ‘Jr.’ when you say your name or when it is announced?” It was an honest question and one I was happy to explain. For me, it is about “honor.” I have been honored to have my father’s name bestowed upon me, and each day when I wake up, I try to honor this name, my family, and the pride within the name through my work and interactions. My father, and my mother, were my heroes.

It is actually deeper than just being “junior.” I am also “Thomas” the fourth. The first Thomas was the first person in my family to be freed as a slave. Yes, there is a lot tied up in my name, what it means to me, and how I represent it everyday.

Names matter. We know this from the workplace, where we appreciate being remembered or recognized by name. We know it from social gatherings, where it can be a relief to find someone who knows your name. Some of us know it from the show “Cheers,” where “NORM!” always enjoyed a hearty welcome.

In education, the best instructors know the importance of learning and using students’ names. It’s one of the tips that aspiring faculty learn early on. There’s even research backing this up, with students reporting they feel more valued and more invested in a class when the instructor knows their name.

In two different and amazing ways, names have been in the spotlight at Cal Poly Humboldt in recent months. We have had a new name for our Gutswurrak Student Activities Center as well as a name change for our institution.

We recently celebrated the naming of the Gutswurrak Student Activities Center with a fun and inspiring event on campus. The naming represents a very deliberate effort to bring Native culture to the forefront on our campus, and we’re very proud that Wiyot Tribal Chair Ted Hernandez was the featured guest speaker. He shared his gratitude for the naming and to the students who initiated the naming effort.

Gutswurrak (pronounced “guts-wuh-dock”) is a Wiyot word meaning “many people gather.”

The name was chosen carefully, with students suggesting the idea and a formal request being made to the Wiyot Tribe. One of the greatest honors is the receiving of a name. This name was chosen from among the options suggested to recognize the importance of the student union to the campus community as well as Cal Poly’s location on traditional Wiyot land.

“Gutswurrak” is now part of the campus community’s everyday vocabulary. A QR code on the wall of the building now provides a link to a recording of the word being said by Wiyot adults and youth.

Earlier this year, we also marked an important milestone when the name of our institution was changed to “Cal Poly Humboldt.”

Of course, this name change represents so much. It’s a positive affirmation by our campus community about the type of institution we are and the type of educational experience we offer. It highlights, among other things, our hands-on teaching, our foundation in the liberal arts, and our strong focus in areas like science, technology, and engineering.

All this matters because changing the name of a university is never simple or easy. People are deeply attached, especially the alumni and the local community. It was a bit of a bittersweet moment when the name was changed on the entryway gates to campus. The name is important to all of us for various reasons. The name, and the higher expectations that come with it are also important. There is a renewed expectation that we will be better as a campus, more engaged as a campus community, more collaborative and collegial as a workforce. And, vitally, that we will be representative of what it means to be part of the educated citizenry on this planet.

For clarity, “Cal Poly Humboldt” is the shorter and informal new name that we use most often. It’s like using “John” rather than “Jonathan.” We have a new set of names we use on a consistent basis:

Formal name: “California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt”

Informal name: “Cal Poly Humboldt”

Secondary references: “Humboldt” or “Cal Poly”

It’s also okay if, like me, you occasionally say “Humboldt State” or “HSU.”

Be well.

Dr. Tom Jackson Jr. is the president of Cal Poly Humboldt.