High school students, parents, civic leaders, business executives, and local residents are invited to join Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) students, faculty, staff on Monday, Jan. 19 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. as the campus honors the life and lasting legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
According to Dr. Marwan Wafa, vice chancellor and dean, IUPUC fulfills an important role in the region by serving as a public advocate for diversity.
“Through the work of IUPUC’s Diversity Council, we explore ways to offer relevant programming and serve as a catalyst for discussion and dialogue about the value of inclusiveness in our communities,” explained Wafa.
By inviting the public to visit IUPUC on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (MLK Day), Wafa said, the university recognizes the impact of Dr. King’s work as a civil and human rights pioneer who successfully protested racial discrimination not only in the U.S. but also around the world.
Wafa also said that he will announce and recognize recipients of IUPUC’s 2015 Excellence in Diversity Award during the Jan. 19 event.
“Each year, two awards are presented. One is awarded to an individual, organization, group, project, business, or institution from the community who has demonstrated commitment and outstanding effort toward promoting diversity and inclusiveness. The second is awarded to a member of the IUPUC campus community,” Wafa added.
WHAT: Free public presentation titled “United We Serve” followed by presentation of 2015 Excellence in Diversity Awards.
A complimentary luncheon, sponsored by the Columbus African American Fund, will be served at noon.
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHO: Keynote address on the theme “United We Serve” by Dr. Mary F. Howard-Hamilton, Raleigh Holmstedt Distinguished Professor of Higher Education at Indiana State University.
“There is an African quote that says ‘A new broom sweeps clean, but an old broom knows the corners.’ I truly believe that the ‘old broom’ is the mentor who knows every corner of an institution or professional environment. I am a seasoned academician who has worked at several universities, and I have colleagues around the world. I enjoy sharing my expertise with students who are eager to make a contribution to the profession as well as to pass the knowledge forward and be an inspiration for the next generation of student scholars” (Mary Howard Hamilton).
WHERE: Lecture Hall & Auditorium, Columbus Learning Center 4555 Central Avenue, Columbus, IN 47203
Ample free parking is available.
For more information, please contact Dr. Sandra Miles, director of student affairs and campus diversity officer, at (812) 375-7525 or smiles3@iupuc.edu.