The University of Oregon is inviting students, faculty, staff and community members of color together for the 15th annual “Weaving New Beginnings” event tonight at 6 p.m. in the EMU Ballroom.
The event, which includes a three course meal, is open to the University community willing to “dress to impress” in red, black or white.
In the spring of 1994, representatives from the ASUO, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Counseling Center, Student Life Housing, Academic Progress, and the Race Task Force collaborated to sponsor a reception for students, faculty, and staff of color. The event began to facilitate conversation between minority students and faculty.
The event will honor community members who have helped advance minorities in the community.
This year’s event coordinator, Diego Hernandez, wanted to specifically honor members of the community who work to improve minority education.
“We not only want to honor and foster the UO multicultural community, but we wanted to honor community members of significance who are helping minorities in the education system.” he said.
Each of the 30 volunteers being honored receives University certificates of achievement, and their pictures and profiles are placed on boards within the ballroom.
Hernandez laughed and said, “Most volunteers didn’t even get back to me. They are not used to being honored for what they do. All of them have varied reasons for why they serve their community.”
Committee member Claudia Riumallo was inspired by the service and humble attitude of the honorees.
“These are community members working towards the empowerment of education. All of them are extremely passionate in helping minority students succeed,” she said.
When asked what struggles minority students face in the education system, Hernandez struggled to pinpoint one key issue.
“The volunteers we’re honoring realize that the there is a much broader problem with minorities and the education system and institutions,” he said.
However, coordinators and participants of the event are more eager to highlight the positive progress in minority communities. University President Richard Lariviere is very enthusiastic about fostering the growth of diversity in both the university community and in the surrounding community.
“This is an extremely important way to help shape our perspectives and viewpoints of the world,” Lariviere said. “I hope students at the event come away with an understanding and greater appreciation of diversity. My hope is to convey how important diversity is to the UO community.”
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