Lincoln (Neb.) - Oct. 10, 2000 - More than 200 of some of the nation's most promising leaders of diversity will explore a wide range of issues facing people of color in academic settings at an annual conference at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Oct. 27-28.
The fifth annual national conference, "People of Color in Predominantly White Institutions," will occur at the Clifford Hardin Nebraska Center for Continuing Education, 33rd and Holdrege streets.
The national conference, sponsored by UNL, is an award-winning annual series exploring issues surrounding people of color in predominantly white institutions. Titled "Building Diversity in the University and Community," this year's program features nationally known keynote speakers and invited host speakers, more than 50 programs, speeches, presentations, panel discussions and workshops, a quilt exhibition and reception, and an evening of dance and music.
It brings together those who share an interest in the concerns of people of color in a manner designed to facilitate open dialogue, communication, peer support and mutual respect.
Featured presenters scheduled to appear include Joseph L. White, professor emeritus of psychology and psychiatry at the University of California at Irvine, an author, lecturer and pioneer in the field of African American psychology; Refugio I. Rochin, director of the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives in Washington, D.C., researcher and lecturer on Latino studies, Hispanic enterprises, and the advancement of understanding of Latino contributions to U.S. history, culture and society; and Juan R. Garcia, author and consultant to colleges and universities, public and private agencies and school districts on Mexican immigration, Mexican American history, ethnic and multicultural studies.
Host speakers are M. Colleen Jones, assistant professor of management at UNL, and Joel Gajardo, executive director of the Hispanic Community Center and a consultant on Latin American issues. Jones is an educator and consultant in leadership, organizations, management and executive training. She will speak on "Now that We're Here, How Do We Stay?... The Spirit to Thrive." Gajardo wil speak on "The Challenge of Demographics: Hispanic Growth and White Response."
Jones, who has attended each of the previous conferences, said the conference is an uplifting event that celebrates diversity and camaraderie, focusing on strengths, goals and professional growth.
"When I think of this conference, it is like family... it has a tone of a family gathering," she said. "There is such a sense of welcoming and appreciation of everyone's intellectual excellence, along with this spirit of encouragement and support, and recognition of people's scholarship."
Jones said participants share ideas on programs that have worked for them at their institutions, ways they have worked to make their places of work more welcoming for people of color and diverse backgrounds, and other success stories, along with some of their challenges and tribulations.
"This is an excellent forum for graduate students and professionals looking to test their wings, and a place for all faculty, researchers, administrators and others to network and build relationships with others."
Among scheduled panels are: "Voices of Asian Women in Doctoral Programs," "Conducting Research in the Latino Community" and "Understanding White Privilege." The closing session Oct. 28 is by Steve Birdine, president of Affirmations in Action, on "Moving Your Diversity Dialogue from 'Talk' to 'Action.'"
Special activities and events include a quilt exhibit and reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Robert Hillestad Gallery, including quilts by Michael James, and African-American quilts from the Robert and Helen Cargo Collection. An evening of dance and music ends the conference from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Clifford Hardin Center Auditorium, with a lecture performance on modern dance, a musical performance by Kusi Taki, and the Lincoln Gospel All-Star Choir.
Jones said that while other institutions may have ethnic conferences, the UNL conference stands out and generates a national audience because it is "multiethnic."
"This is like a patchwork quilt, of different concerns and different ideas," she said. "But it offers an opportunity to see progress and find out more about what all our colleagues have to offer."
Registration fees are $195 for full registration, $125 for one-day
registration, $75 for student registration and $45 for one-day student
registration. Registration begins 7:30 a.m. Oct. 27. To register, contact
the UNL Division of Continuing Studies at (402) 472-2175. For conference
updates, check the World Wide Web (http://dcs.unl.edu/acpp/people00/).
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