Celebrate diversity
February 11, 2011
Over the course of the next few weeks the Fairbanks campus at UAF will be host to
a variety of events that celebrate diversity and culture. I encourage faculty, staff
and students to try and participate in these events.
Diversity is an important part of who we are as a university, and we can see that
each and every day in the makeup of our student body and our staff and faculty population.
It is, in fact, part of our mission, and it is something that I champion for as chancellor.
We have departments on campus such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs & Diversity and Rural Student Services where celebrating and promoting diversity and culture is core to who they are. But
it should not be limited to them. It is something all of us should celebrate and promote,
from the main campus to West Ridge, and throughout the entire state of Alaska where
UAF has a presence.
Upcoming events on the Fairbanks campus include:
- As part of Black History Month, OMAD will be hosting “A Night in Africa” on Friday, Feb. 18. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Davis Concert Hall and features ethnic food, storytelling, traditional dances and song.
- OMAD is also involved with helping organize the Chinese New Year celebration that will take place Sunday, Feb. 20, at the Pioneer Park Civic Center. A number of UAF Chinese faculty members are also involved with the event, which takes place at 4:30p.m.
- The 38th Annual Festival of Native Arts will be held on campus March 3-5. Organized by student and community volunteers, the event features Native dance groups from throughout the state and nation. Native artisans also specialize in arts and crafts from multiple indigenous cultures. Their work will be displayed at the craft bazaar at Wood Center.
- Farthest North Jewish Film Festival Several faculty are involved in the 13th annual event.
which will take place Feb. 19 through March 5.
Thanks for all that you do to make celebrating diversity an important part of who we are as a university.