UW News

February 2, 2006

Grad school lauded for inclusive efforts

News and Information

The UW Graduate School has been honored for its innovations in promoting an inclusive graduate community. In the coming month it is holding a series of events in support of that mission.

The Council of Graduate Schools/Thomson Peterson’s Award comes with $20,000, which will be matched by $20,000 from The Graduate School, in support of the “Committed to Diversity: Connected to Community” Initiative. The goals of this initiative include supporting a wider, more diverse group of mentors for UW graduate students, and enhancing relationships between the UW, The Graduate School, the community businesses run by people of color, as well as others who are interested in advancing diversity.

The initiative’s activities include research seminars, networking sessions, public lectures, receptions and other events.

“The Graduate School is thrilled and honored to receive this prestigious award to support our programs that advance diversity and inclusiveness at the UW,” said Suzanne Ortega, vice provost and dean of the Graduate School. “With this commitment, The Graduate School will continue to build our programs and enhance our ability to attract, foster and sustain a more diverse and culturally rich atmosphere.”

Among the upcoming activities in support of the initiative:

Feb. 8: GO-MAP Diversity Book Talk with James Yee, author of For God and Country — Faith and Patriotism Under Fire, 7 p.m. 120 Kane. Reception, 5 p.m. in Walker-Ames Room.

Feb. 10: GO-MAP Diversity Book Talk with Mona Lisa Saloy, Red Beans and Ricely Yours, 7 p.m., 120 Kane. Reception at 5 p.m. in Walker-Ames Room.

Feb. 15: Mangels Lecture featuring Richard West, director of the National Museum of the American Indian, 7 p.m., 120 Kane. Reception at 5 p.m. in Walker-Ames Room.

Feb. 16: “Diversity in the Architecture of Building Community,” symposium and panel co-sponsored by the Department of Architecture. Keynote speaker and facilitator is Johnpaul Jones, co-lead architect for the National Museum of the American Indian. Panel members include Donald King, Carver Gayton, Beth Takekawa and Sumona Das Gupta. 2–5 p.m., 310 HUB.

March 6-10: Graduate and Professional Education Week, with a variety of events and public forums, www.grad.washington.edu/gpeweek  

March 7: GO-MAP Graduate Diversity Fellows Dinner featuring Gloria Steinem, 6 p.m., HUB Ballroom

For more information, call The Graduate School, 206-543-9016, grad.washington.edu/gomap/