News
Message from Vice President Wimbush
I would like to extend my congratulations to each of you. The end of the school year is a time of celebration. The flowers are blooming, the sun is out, and the possibilities seem endless.
Look back on the moments that have brought you joy during this past year. Moments with your friends, your mentors, your accomplishments, and your passions. These are the things that matter—what you will remember when reminiscing about your college years with loved ones. This year has brought both highs and lows, but always remember you have left your mark on someone. Each of you have made a difference in someone’s life. And that is something to celebrate.
As we close out the year, I want to extend my warmest regards to you—the students—who continue to make Indiana University what it is. A pillar of diversity, knowledge, culture, and ingenuity. I encourage everyone always to push forward and never forget the impact that you have on those around you.
And to our graduating seniors, I wish you the best in all of your future endeavors. Please know that no matter where you go, you will always be a part of the IU family.
Reject the Stigma
Asian Americans are being targeted and harassed in connection with COVID-19. The IU community rejects this baseless discrimination as contrary to IU’s values of racial equity and social justice. The COVID-19 infection is not connected to any race, ethnicity, or nationality. Misinformation about coronavirus disease 2019 can create fear and hostility that harms people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. Help us prevent discrimination or stigmatization by sharing accurate information.
Get the facts about coronavirus (COVID-19) at protect.iu.edu.
Celebrating Seniors
On behalf of the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs and its administered academic, culture, and community programs, congratulations to Indiana University’s 2020 graduates. Along with your family, friends, and community, we are proud of you and your academic and personal achievements. Welcome to the IU alumni family.
Meet a Few of the 2020 Graduates
OVPDEMA Proud to Announce 2020-2021 Scholarship Recipients
The Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA) is excited to announce the 2020-2021 recipients of the OVPDEMA scholarships, which recognize student excellence across cultural and academic centers as well as showcase the intersection of philanthropy and student diversity at Indiana University.
Learn how OVPDEMA scholarship help students step closer towards their goals.
Social Justice in America Series held Virtual Workshop with Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Amrita Myers and the Department of History’s Diversity Committee had planned to host the Social Justice in America Series (SJAS) in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA) during the Spring semester. Postponed to fall 2020, the series will consist of four separate events: a voter registration drive, an in-person workshop led by Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson, co-executive director of the Highlander Research & Education Center, a town hall discussion with Henderson and several Bloomington citizens, and a closing fair with booths from 60 different campus and community organizations committed to social justice.
Learn how COVID-19 did not stop this important work from happening now.
OVPDEMA Shaping Students Passions and Careers
The Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA) includes a variety of academic units, culture centers, and scholarship groups under its umbrella and provided hundreds of students the opportunity to learn, grow, and find a home at Indiana University. During their time in OVPDEMA programs, students learned the importance of diversity and inclusion through immersive learning, group activities, and community. Students graduate from IU with a sense of self-identity and purpose, ready to take on the world at large. However, some OVPDEMA students return to Indiana University, using their diverse skillset to improve the lives of marginalized and underrepresented students across campus in a variety of different roles.
Student Feature
The OVPDEMA Student Feature typically highlights an outstanding senior involved with one of the culture centers on campus, exploring their work and experience at IU. However, highlighted for May, are five seniors who served as an OVPDEMA student ambassador. Learn about their work and most memorable moments.
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IU Soul Revue: "Faces"
“I am happy to share the IU Soul Revue’s Final Spring Project, as we navigate through this COVID-19 environment. I’m personally very proud of our students. They are not only talented but are driven, committed, and dedicated to what we do at the African American Arts Institute.“
James A. Strong
Professor of Practice and Director of the IU Soul Revue
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