Welcome

The University has pioneered important programs for the benefit of the African-American, Latino, and Southeast Asian-American communities, as well as other underrepresented groups. We would like to continue and improve these efforts by hearing from the local community. Not only do we want to draw from past lessons learned, but also get a clear picture of the current needs of these communities to help us shape our new priorities and build a brighter future for everyone.

We would like to invite you to participate in the symposium "Pioneering in Diversity: Strengthening Community" from 9:30am to 12:00pm on Friday, April 30, 2010, hosted by Pacific President Pamela A. Eibeck and NASA Astronaut, 1985 Pacific graduate, and Regent Jose Hernandez at the Progressive Community Church. The purpose of the symposium is to enable community leaders and activists to discuss with University representatives how Pacific has responded to the diversity of the people in our area in the past and what you think the University could do to increase opportunities for them.

• To gather historical information about Pacific's pioneering diversity programs and to present or showcase this information at the forum in April. Commentaries and submissions should relate the basic history of the pioneering experience of programs, individual students, faculty, campus organizations, and significant events that have benefited local underrepresented communities. Submissions can be written accounts, posters, displays, videos, or any other medium
• To provide an opportunity for these same groups to articulate how they think the University could best serve their communities through its programs and activities in the future. The proposals must specify clearly what you think is most important for the University to do to provide the assistance needed for community members to be successful in the future.

Because of the limited time available for oral presentations at the symposium, a committee will select a sample of ideas and experiences from those submitted to be presented at the symposium. Participants can address either or both of the mail goals stated above. All commentaries submitted will form part of the record.

If you would like to participate in the symposium, please contact the committee if possible by March 15, 2010, but no later than April 2, 2010. The Proposal to Participate form may be accessed at go.Pacific.edu/DiversityPioneers or email diversitypioneers@pacific.edu. Please introduce yourself, the organization you represent, and any past or current relationship to Pacific. Also specify how you think you would like to participate in the symposium.

• Share a past experience, present need, or both (include general context of comments)
• Present a visual display, written statement, or media presentation or display, or in carrying out supporting research, please indicate it on your proposal. Written submissions should be typed and include supporting documentation: photos, news clips, correspondence, publications, etc.

After the forum, all statements and recommendations made will be presented to President Eibeck.

To contact the committee, call:

Arturo Ocampo,
Assistant Provost for Diversity, 209.946.2099

Ines Ruiz-Huston,
Hispanic Outreach Coordinator, 209.946.7705 

Gene Bigler,
Professor, School of International Studies, 209.946.7335 

Henry Torres,
Technical Support Specialist, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy & Health Services, 209.471.9181 or 209.946.7310

Lisa Cooper,
Assistant Vice President for Diversity & Community Engagement in Student Life, 209.946.3249

or email: diversitypioneers@pacific.edu