The Office of Institutional Diversity kicked off its third annual Diversity Days celebration with speeches, awards and dance Sept. 14 in the Chapel.
In keeping with the celebration’s theme “Embracing Diversity: Branching Out and Engaging New Dialogue,” Provost Arnett C. Mace Jr. said at the event that he hoped “each individual on this campus recognizes that he or she has a personal responsibility to promote the culture of increasing diversity and inclusiveness.
“It’s absolutely essential that we understand different cultures, different views and appreciate them and discuss those,” he said. “To be successful today, one must, in fact, understand the views, values and cultures not only of this state, region and nation but also of this world as a whole.”
Mark Dawkins, associate dean for academic programs in the Terry College of Business, also called for individual action in engaging new dialogues. He challenged the audience to use its skills to “better not only the University of Georgia, the state of Georgia but also the society.”
Scholarships and awards were presented. Philip Kennedy, a freshman from Albany majoring in exercise and sports science, received a $1,500 Black Alumni Scholarship. Nina Bissett, a freshman from Columbus majoring in fashion merchandising and public relations, received a $1,500 OID Diversity Scholarship.
OID’s Embracing Diversity Award, sponsored by Georgia Power, went to five individuals, groups and teams who go above and beyond in their promotion of diversity and inclusion at UGA.
Eric Bonaparte, assistant director of the Small Business Development Center in Public Service and Outreach, received the individual award for his work promoting the understanding of cultural differences.
The Physical Plant received a departmental award for its developmental training programs, which included the GED Completion Program, the Building Services Academy, the Physical Plant Division’s Apprentice Program and the Leadership Training Program.
Human Resources received the departmental award for the Young Dawgs Program, which partners with local school districts to give middle and high school students internships and work experience.
Anthony Capomacchia, an associate professor in the College of Pharmacy, received an individual award, for his work with graduate and doctoral students.
Latino/as Investing in the Students of Tomorrow received the student organization award for its mentoring program that provides support for incoming and first-year Latino students.