UCSB Arts & Lectures

Endless Learning

By Erica Rascón on Aug 23, 2016 in Giving, People

Roman Baratiak got his start as a work study student at UCSB. He instantly fell in love and has been changing lives ever since.

“I soon discovered what happened when the lights went down and the curtain opened and incredibly talented artists and performers took the stage,” says Baratiak. “They brought us to other worlds, introduced us to other cultures, and provided us with a beautifully aesthetic and fulfilling experiences. I fell in love with that.”

Three years later, that love transformed from a work study position into a full-time career. Baratiak has now been with the organization for nearly 40 years and currently serves as Associate Director. He enjoys organizing the lecture and film program because it allows him to present the Santa Barbara community with people who are extremely interesting, informative, and unique.

“I have very eclectic tastes so it’s the perfect job for me,” says Baratiak. “I can go to work and learn something every day and feel like I’m growing as a person. I know I’m in the right spot.”

Though Baratiak loves to learn during the lectures, it’s the benefit for the community that elevates his enthusiasm about his work. He strongly supports education for people of all ages as a way to keep us connected with the global community and with our own humanity.

“The arts will always be important. They teach us about the world that we live in. They also allow us to get in touch with our own humanity and creative side. As a spectator, we can see human potential on stage by seeing amazing musicians, dancers, and speakers. We grow to understand the amazing amount of talent that goes into these things. It’s also a bit like going to the spa or getting a really good massage. You just feel better afterward. There is something about it that invigorates you. The arts can do that as well,” he says.

To further support community education through the arts, Yardi sponsors the lectures program at UCSB. “That’s been an area of interest for Yardi for years now. That’s to bring in major thinkers and writers who can share their work, ideas, be thought-provoking. That’s a good connection for Yardi.”

This year, Arts and Lectures has presented Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Late Night host Conan O’Brien, Krista Tippet of On Being, American Academy of Arts and Sciences inductee Temple Grandin, and Grammy Award winner Cecile McLorin Salvant, to name a few. The professional and cultural diversity of the programming aims to promote understanding and expand horizons for community members of all ages.

Learning ignites the minds of children, but it kindles the creativity and capability of adults for years to come.

Baratiak compares the quest for knowledge to one of his bike rides through Santa Barbara’s hill country. “The hills get steeper as you get older,” he laughs. “As adults, we are capable of understanding more, and we’re required to try to understand more. You’ve got to challenge yourself and that’s important because it’s exhilarating once you get up there. There are roads that take you up to the mountains. You’ve got to work super, super hard for like an hour but it will take you less than ten minutes to get to the bottom. It’s like taking this journey with one of our artists or speakers. Sometimes the topics are complex, or emotionally difficult, but once you reach that understanding you’ve let the arts change you.”

To support the Arts and Lectures Program at University of California Santa Barbara, visit artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.