News
Message from Vice President Wimbush
Season’s Greetings,
As we move into the final month of our fall 2020 semester, I would like to acknowledge the work of our wonderful students, staff, and faculty members across IU during this unprecedented time. While Zoom fatigue is real, the ways we have come together in this virtual environment to support and uplift one another is nothing short of inspiring. Through online Zoom workshops, virtual Q&As, and performances, we continue to build and maintain community connections that help us through this pandemic.
During this holiday season, I encourage you to celebrate these connections and take a moment to appreciate the people in our lives who make it better.
Warm Regards,
James C. Wimbush
IU Pandemic Health Disparities Fund
The Pandemic Health Disparities fund provided emergency funding for students across IU campuses. These funds were used to cover necessities and ease financial burdens brought on by the pandemic.
IU’s Racial Justice Research Fund Project Feature
As recently announced, Indiana University is funding 31 research projects to explore racial justice. In this issue, we will introduce you to IU Professor Riley, who has received funding to support Black Youth's Emotion Regulation Strategies in Response to Racial Discrimination Experiences - An Examination of Peer Support and Civic Engagement.
Indiana Latino Expo
In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Indiana University, in partnership with the Indiana Latino Expo, worked together to connect and engage with students and families across the state. IU campus representatives were featured in Telemundo interviews and virtual webinars throughout September and October.
IU MSI-STEM Initiative
Indiana University's Minority Serving – STEM Initiative is one of the country's only programs to include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Tribal Colleges as well.
Diversity Education
Indiana University is pleased to offer educational opportunities across its campuses for staff, faculty, and students to foster an inclusive and respectful environment that encourages dialogue and interaction about issues related to equity, social justice, and intersectional diversity. Monica Johnson, assistant vice president for diversity education and cross-cultural engagement, discusses diversity education at IU.
Community Connections: Post-Election Resources
Martin Luther King Jr. is quoted as saying, “Democracy transformed from thin paper to thick action is the greatest form of government on earth.” As we reflect on the 2020 election season, explore tools and resources developed to support you in having important conversations about civic responsibility and taking action with your pre-college students.
Alumnus Leads Diversity Efforts at North Carolina University
“I had a mix of emotions, ranging from frustration, shock, elevated concern, and a sense of heaviness for the heart of individuals around all that had transpired,” said Hall, an Indiana University Kokomo alumnus.
IUB 21st Century Scholars Achieve Highest Graduation Rate Milestone
With over 3,000 students, the 21st Century Scholars Program on the Indiana University Bloomington campus is the largest program in the state and holds the top spot in four-year graduation rates. These rankings are among the data recently released in the Indiana College Completion Report 2020—published by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
Gilman Scholarship
A record number of OVPDEMA students received the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, the largest national study abroad scholarship for undergraduate students in the country. Scholars receive up to $5,000 towards student study abroad programs and an additional $3,000 if they study one of the critical-need languages determined by the US Department of State.
Bowen Family Welcomes Inaugural Class
The inaugural Bowen Family Scholarship was recently awarded to 10 IU Bloomington students. Each student receives $1,500 per semester, renewable for up to four years. During a recent virtual meet and greet, the scholarship recipients had a unique opportunity to meet Bob and Terry Bowen and form a connection that will last well beyond their academic journey.
2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
As we prepare to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on January 18, 2021, we do so against a backdrop of great division in America. In the face of this adversity, Dr. King's ideals of equality, diversity, and love are more important and relevant than ever.
IU's 2021 theme, "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community,” the title of Martin Luther King’s final book, underscores this very sentiment with virtual programs, workshops, and opportunities exemplifying the humane causes espoused by this great civil rights leader.
IU Equity Fund Replaces Obstacles With Opportunity
OVPDEMA, in partnership with the Indiana University Foundation, established the IU Equity Fund to support IU’s campuses and respond to the greatest needs of students, faculty, and staff throughout the year. Gifts to the IU Equity Fund support emergency needs, scholarships, research, leadership development, and other programs and initiatives that create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment where all community members can do their very best work.
Indiana University Queer Philanthropy Circle
As the Queer Philanthropy Circle celebrates its one year anniversary, members reflect on its first in the nation status and numerous achievements to include exceeding the 200K match challenge, meeting founding member goals, and the IUF recognizing three distinguished QPC founding members with the IUF Presidential Medallion.