GRDC News - April 2005
 

RIT Hosts 4th Annual Expressions of Diversity Conference
April 25-29, 2005

RIT is genuinely honored to host its fourth Annual Expressions of Diversity Conference April 25-29, 2005. This significant university event is of great value in building a strong coalition of support on issues of diversity and the celebration of pluralism. The collective wisdom of our keynote speaker, presenters and participants is important to the continued success of RIT's educational mission. A variety of workshops and programs are scheduled throughout the week. All are free of charge and require registration. The conference theme is "The Pluralistic Journey" encompassing RIT’s 175th Anniversary Celebration of Education, Exploration and Innovation.  

Highlights of the week are: Monday, April 25, 2005 at 12:00 Noon, Ingle Auditorium, Michael Hingson, (Guide Dog user and World Trade Center survivor) will open our conference with a keynote address titled: "Turning the Tables on Terrorism." As a survivor of the 9-11 tragedy as well as a person who lives without sight, Michael Hingson offers a unique perspective on life and relationships. He will ask attendees to explore how we may sabotage our own efforts; and how fear, courage, denial, trust, beliefs and philosophies have a tremendous impact on our personal lives, on our organizations and our world. Later on the same day, April 25, 2005 at 5:00 PM, Peter Oddleifson, Retired Partner, Harris Beach law firm and RIT Fellow, will present a lecture on "The Underground Railroad and Civil Disobedience." Following the talk is a dance interpretation of the Underground Railroad era by performing dance artist, Thomas Warfield and the RIT/NTID Dance Company.

On Wednesday at 12 Noon, the Commission for Promoting Pluralism will recognize the accomplishments of several RIT faculty and staff who have contributed in unique ways to diversity and pluralism. The Isaac L. Jordan Faculty/Staff Pluralism Award will be presented to an outstanding diversity contributor, recognizing a history of service and commitment towards diversity, inclusion and pluralism. In addition, 20 faculty and staff members will be honored for their achievements. Throughout RIT’s 175th anniversary year, we have honored the accomplishments of diversity trailblazers, many of whom have retired or are deceased. Through the initiatives of our past and present diversity trailblazers we owe special honor and recognition for helping RIT to become a more diverse campus community. RIT’s Diversity Trailblazers are those who paved the way, breaking new ground and opening new pathways. The unveiling of a display case will showcase the accomplishments of Today’s Diversity Trailblazers on Wednesday, April 27 at 12 Noon. All are welcome to attend.

There are over 30 workshops held throughout the entire week during the day and evening. Please join us in celebration and discussion as we seek new avenues of thought and action that will further strengthen the Rochester community and the RIT campus.  To register, please sign on to the Commission website at http://diversity.rit.edu.