January 2020

News

Hudson and Holland Scholars Program Welcomes New Faculty Chair

Indiana University is pleased to announce the appointment of Denvil Duncan, Ph.D., to faculty chair of the Hudson & Holland Scholars Program (HHSP) within the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA). Duncan will assume the position through the end of academic year 2023.

As faculty chair, Duncan will focus on developing and implementing a three- to five-year strategic vision for the Hudson & Holland Scholars Program. Specifically, he will lead the long-range development of the effort’s future goals, working in concert with the core priorities of OVPDEMA to advance access, retention, and timely degree completion.

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New Leader for IU LGBTQ+ Culture Center Announced

On January 2, 2020, Bruce E. Smail assumed his appointment as interim director of the Indiana University LGBTQ+ Culture Center and special assistant to the vice president. Smail brings an extensive professional background in matters relating to equity, diversity, and social justice to Indiana University. Most recently, he served as deputy director of the Black AIDS Institute in Los Angeles. Before that, he held the positions of director of the Cross Cultural Center at the University of California, Davis; director of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Resource Center at the University of Colorado; and diversity education specialist at Indiana University Bloomington. During his interim director appointment, Smail will implement programming support services to address issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, intersectionality, and social justice, as well as interact with alumni and donors to better understand the needs of the IU Bloomington LGBTQ+ community over the next three years. In addition, he will manage and administer the LGBTQ+ Culture Center's budget and supervise staff, graduate assistants, and volunteers.

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Region VI Champion of Diversity and Inclusion Award

This past October, Ochmaa Escue—director of the OVPDEMA Overseas Studies & Scholarship Program (OSSP)—was awarded the inaugural NAFSA Region VI Champion of Diversity and Inclusion in International Education award. The award, presented by the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to international education and exchange, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, is given to an individual who works to “enhance greater access, to cultivate broader perspectives, and to celebrate the diversity of the international education community.”

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2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Dr. King inspired legions of individuals and a nation to believe in personal, social, and global change. He showed the world the unstoppable power of his dream for racial equality, diversity, and love. Perhaps most important, Dr. King taught us that everyone can make a difference, and every day is a chance to do so. IU is proud to provide testimony to the ideals of Dr. King through programs, workshops, and other efforts throughout January that exemplify the humane causes espoused by this great civil rights leader. Below are just a few events you don’t want to miss. Please visit mlkcelebration.indiana.edu for event updates in celebration of Indiana University’s commemoration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

View the Event Calendar

Scholarships Now Available

We are currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 academic year. Full-time undergraduate, or where indicated graduate or professional, students from any discipline or department on the Bloomington campus may apply. There are also select opportunities for IU students currently enrolled at any of the 7 IU campuses or 2 IU centers. US citizenship is not required, except where noted. You can apply here by March 10, 2020.

Learn more about OVPDEMA Scholarships

Student Feature: María González-Díaz

For OVPDEMA Student Features, we highlight an outstanding senior involved with one of the many culture centers on campus, exploring their work and experience at IU. María González-Díaz is a senior graduating May 2020 with a double major in International Studies and Portuguese. Recently, María and I discussed her college experience, what she’s learned, and how La Casa supported her during her time at IU.

Read the Full Student Story

Cultural Engagement

Black History Month Kick-off on January 31

The theme for this year’s celebration is “For the Culture,” which symbolizes the contributions of Black people from around the world and here at Indiana University.

The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center (NMBCC) chose this theme as a way to honor and celebrate the culture, beauty, creativity, intellect, and resilience of Black people everywhere. As one of the oldest Black culture centers in the nation, the NMBCC is proud to celebrate 50 years of power, progress, and promise.

Join us for the Black History Month 2020 celebration kick-off on Friday, January 31 at 5:30 p.m. Black the Runway will take place at the NMBCC in the Grand Hall.

More Events

IU Southeast to Host 21st Annual Indiana Latinx Leadership Conference

Indiana University Southeast is pleased to announce that it will serve as a first-time host institution for this year’s Indiana Latinx Leadership Conference (formerly called the Indiana Latino Leadership Conference) on Saturday, February 29, 2020. The new name reflects the 2020 gathering’s emphasis on greater diversity and inclusiveness.

The conference itself provides a venue to celebrate the uniqueness of Latinx students in a forum created by and for students. Student-led workshops will cover a gamut of topics, from college readiness and the application process to financial literacy and leadership skills. Additional information on the 21st Annual Indiana Latinx Leadership Conference, including speakers and topics, can be found here.