Undergraduates to present research on diversity

The University community is invited to attend the Undergraduate Symposium on Diversity Jan. 20 in the Lenhart Grand Ballroom at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. Hosted by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (CURS), this second annual event focuses on “Opportunities and Challenges for the Inclusion of Diversity in Higher Education and Society.”

About 40 undergraduates will present their posters and share their work on topics related to gender, race, cultural and ethnic diversity. Their presentations are based on undergraduate courses related to diversity or on creative or scholarly work or research conducted with a faculty mentor.

The symposium will begin at 9:30 a.m. with opening remarks by Ana Brown, coordinator for diversity and retention initiatives in the Office of Residence Life. Her presentation is titled “Beyond ‘The Dream’: The Poor People’s Campaign, the Beloved Community and the Quest for Equity.”

Dr. Christina Lunceford, higher education and student affairs, will deliver the keynote address, “Centering the Marginalized to Create Equitable Systems of Higher Education.” She will speak from 9:45-10:30 a.m., followed by a break and refreshments.

Poster presentations begin at 11:45 a.m., ending at 12:45 p.m. with closing remarks by CURS director Dr. Cordula Mora.