Diversity on college campuses is an on-going topic of conversation as issues are defined and redefined to accommodate new objectives.
At the College of Engineering, student and faculty diversity is actually a core value as defined in the Strategic Plan 2013-18: [To] value, encourage, and promote all aspects of human difference, fostering a culture that welcomes a broad variety of personal circumstances and experiences, mirrors our rapidly changing world, and prepares our students to be effective citizens in an increasingly interdependent society.
“We defined diversity as a core value rather than a goal because we wanted the idea to permeate the culture of the College,” says Dean Joseph Hughes. “It isn’t just about who we recruit for students and faculty. It’s about creating a community where meaningful interactions can occur among people who view the world from different perspectives. It’s about creating an environment of optimal academic and social experiences that supports the co-mingling of ideas.”
To that end, the College of Engineering held its first Celebration of Diversity event on February 16 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Over 50 guests were treated to a reception and tours of the Museum. Michelle Wells, Events Manager for the College, described the event as a distinct success. “This is the first event the College hosted for the specific purpose of celebrating diversity. Our sincere hope is that this might expand to become an annual event.” Michelle is also involved in national recruitment of minority students for the College of Engineering.
“Our students can only benefit from diversity as part of the academic experience,” states Dean Hughes. “It prepares them to work in a global society, where they will be required to interact effectively with a wide variety of individuals of many different backgrounds. We would like to add to their development in this important aspect of their knowledge base.”