High school students, parents, civic leaders, business executives, and local residents are invited to join IUPUC students, faculty, and staff on Monday, January 21 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. as the campus honors the life and lasting legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in an event titled Equity and Economic Opportunity in South Central Indiana.

Carolyn Butler-Lee, Executive Director of Corporate Human Resources at Cummins, will be the keynote speaker for the event. “We are excited to have Carolyn speak at this year’s event,” said Dr. Lori Montalbano, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at IUPUC. “With her experience as a leader at Cummins, she provides deep insight into how a diverse population contributes to the economic and cultural growth of our community and our region.”  

Butler-Lee joined Cummins in 1995 to gain international experience and the opportunity to explore diverse career opportunities. She has held leadership roles in functions across multiple Cummins businesses including Director of Global Logistics Strategy in Cummins Filtration, Six Sigma Black Belt, and Compensation and Benefits Strategy Director for Cummins Business Services. Butler-Lee holds a B.A. in Accounting from UW Milwaukee, and an MBA from the University of Tennessee.

In addition to the keynote address, IUPUC will present its annual Excellence in Diversity Awards. Created in 2010 by the IUPUC Diversity Council, the awards recognize internal and external individuals, organizations, groups, units, projects, or institutions that meet the defined criteria. Last year’s winners included Dr. Kevin Jones, business and leadership professor at IUPUC, and Su Casa Columbus, a non-profit organization that strives to help and serve the Latino community so that all Latinos feel safe and welcome.

“As a nation built on diversity, it’s important that we take time to celebrate the contributions Dr. King made in the struggle for civil and human rights,” said Dr. Reinhold Hill, Vice Chancellor and Dean at IUPUC. “We invite the community to join us in honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and recognizing the individuals and groups who have actively contributed towards a positive difference in diversity and inclusion.”

The event will be held in the lecture hall of the Columbus Learning Center beginning at 11 a.m. on January 21, and includes a light lunch. It is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Dr. Lori Montalbano at lmontal@iupuc.edu or 812-348-7251.