UCF’s 21st Diversity Week kicked off with a breakfast Monday and a reminder from President John C. Hitt that “Diversity benefits all of us, but inclusivity makes all the difference in ensuring that UCF stands for opportunity.”
A packed audience in the Pegasus Ballroom of the Student Union was in attendance at the first event in the week of lectures, performances, scavenger hunt and other activities. The week is hosted by the UCF Office of Diversity Initiatives.
Dr. Hitt said UCF’s minority enrollment this fall reached an all-time high of 40 percent and the university this year was the only recipient of the most prestigious diversity award in higher education from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. The award was presented for UCF’s progress in promoting and sustaining innovative diversity efforts in the campus community.
Guest speaker Jennifer Brown, a New York consultant who works with organizations to enhance diversity, leadership and innovation, urged everyone to find their “voice” in the workplace. The benefit of that diversity is significant, she said, because diverse teams achieve results that are six times higher than those that aren’t diverse.
For a schedule of the remaining Diversity Week activities, go to http://www.diversity.ucf.edu/.