Diversity Week \'06: \"Journeys-WVU\" about outreach, awareness, understanding

October 4th, 2006

On lifes roadway, its the journey thats the reward.

West Virginia Universitys 2006 Diversity Week is Oct. 16-20, and this is one road trip that promises plenty of enriching excursions down avenues of outreach, awareness and understanding.

JourneysWest Virginia University,is the theme of this years event, presented annually by the Presidents Office for Social Justice.

Point your compass toward a host of gatherings that feature cultural insights from WVU s international faculty, staff and students.

And dont be afraid to stop and ask for directionat any one of the several thought-provoking forums that explore everything from black Americans in college sports to ethnicity and other issues related to the global community.

Its all about the journey,Social Justice executive officer Jennifer McIntosh said.Its about the journeys we all face to become who we are. The first step of the journey is cultural awareness. The second is acceptance. Then youre really on your way.

Highlights:

Monday, Oct. 16 Outreach professionals, artisans and others will gear up for forums and events that explore everything from AIDS awareness, international perspectives on womens issues and the aftermath still being felt by Hurricane Katrina (see schedule below). Your stops for this tour are found in various locales across the Downtown and Evansdale campuses.

Tuesday, Oct. 17 When peace takes root, harmony and awareness bloom. The American Indian community from the campus and region will again gather down from Woodburn Hall for the official rededication of WVU s peace tree. The noontime ceremony celebrates the culture while calling for war and conflict to simply stop.

Wednesday, Oct. 18 WVU gerontologist Dr. Bei Wu will talk about the politics and particulars of healthcare in the world during the Universitys annual Women of Color Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in the Mountainlair Ballrooms. This will be the 19th annual luncheon, presented by the Council for Womens Concerns and Presidents Office for Social Justice. Info:www.as.wvu.edu/cwc, or call Vickie Trickett at 304-293-7804.

Thursday, Oct. 19 Just how level is the playing field for Americas black athletes, both in the college and professional ranks? Charlotte Westerhaus, the NCAA s vice president for diversity and inclusion, will take up the issue at 9 a.m. in the Erickson Alumni Center.African Americans in Sportsis the title of her talk.

Friday, Oct. 20 Nothing tops off a road trip like a pit stop for food. Come break bread with your brothers and sisters from the world over during aDiversity Lunchserved from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hatfields, in the Mountainlair. Tasty international cuisine and stimulating conversation make up this menu.

The full schedule:

Monday, Oct. 16

  • AIDS Awareness table, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mountainlair Commons
  • International Festival and Performances, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Mountainlair Ballrooms
  • Starting Over: Loss and Renewal in Katrinas Aftermath(multimedia, Website presentation by P.I. Reed Journalism dean Maryanne Reed), 6-7 p.m., Gluck Theatre, Mountainlair
  • Chief Arvol Looking Horse Peace Studies Lecture, 7-9 p.m., Lugar Court Room, College of Law
  • “International Perspectives on Womens Issues,7:30-9:30 p.m., Mountainlair Rhododendron Room

Tuesday, Oct. 17

  • AIDS Awareness table, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mountainlair Commons
  • Journeys: Cesidio Mancini, assistant dean, College of Business and Economics, 11 a.m.-noon, Rhododendron Room
  • Peace Tree Ceremony, noon, across from Mountainlair
  • Minority Graduate Student Research Interchange, 4-8 p.m., Mountainlair Ballrooms
  • Diversity in the Arts,6-10 p.m., Towers Blue and Gold Room
  • Def Poetry&Music Jam, 7-9 p.m., Towers

Wednesday, Oct. 18

  • AIDS Awareness table, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mountainlair Commons
  • Women of Color Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Mountainlair Ballrooms
  • Journeys: Amena Anderson, 3-4 p.m., Mountainlair Shenandoah Room
  • Native American Student Research Colloquium, 4-8 p.m., Mountainlair Rhododendron Room
  • A Journey of Kenya,Benson Njoroge, 6-7 p.m., Gluck Theatre, Mountainlair

Thursday, Oct. 19

  • AIDS Awareness table, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mountainlair Commons
  • African Americans in Sports,Charlotte Westerhaus, NCAA vice president for diversity and inclusion, 9-10:45 a.m., Erickson Alumni Center
  • Latin America,Brown Bag Lunch Film&Discussion Series, noon-1 p.m., Mountainlair Shenandoah Room, presented by Juan Jaramillo
  • Journeys: Tamara Denmark, 2-3 p.m., Mountainlair Rhododendron Room
  • Presentation:The Journey, a Latin American Celebration,4-7 p.m., Mountainlair Ballrooms
  • Sexual Assault Education,Bonnie Fields, 6-7 p.m., Mountainlair Rhododendron Room
  • Current Inclusive Practices,Margaret J. McLaughlin, College of Human Resources and Education, 7-10 p.m., Erickson Alumni Center

Friday, Oct. 20

  • AIDS Awareness table, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mountainlair Commons
  • Diversity Lunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Hatfields, Mountainlair