February 5, 2019
Diversity Programs Office Update
The Diversity Programs Office would like to share some information about upcoming activities and events this month:
• First, we would like to thank all of you who participated in the 2019 Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Observance week activities. Most importantly, those who supported the 15th annual College of Ag/DPO Diversity Student Leader reception on Monday, January 28, with James P. Jackson, USDA/FSA (AL). Our speaker was inspiring, the audience was engaged and the event was a success because of all of you!! Thanks, again!
• We would also like to thank all who attended the Manhattan Community Dr. King Celebration on January 19 and 21, 2019. Congratulations to Pastor Sterling, Mrs. Patricia Hudgins, and Marie Cullers who received the Spirit of Dr. King, Jr.’s Community Service Award. We appreciate all that they do for the community because it is a support for all of our students as well. This is an annual event that is sponsored by the Manhattan Community MLK committee. Special recognition to Rev. Jim Spencer for serving as chair and Kevin Bryant as co-chair.
• Dr. David Griffin, Sr. recently retired, Assistant Dean for Diversity-College of Education, was the speaker for the Dr. King’s program at the Sheraton Hotel. He did an excellent job! Very insightful!
• The first day of February starts Black History Month and the DPO has two great programs for you to experience.
o On February 13, The K-State MANRRS Chapter will present to Dr. J. Ernie Minton, Interim Dean and Director for the College of AG/KSRE; and Dr. Zelia Z. Wiley, Assistant Dean/Director for Diversity; with the Wallace Kidd Diversity Award at 6 p.m. in 137 Waters Hall. The purpose of this biennial award is to recognize outstanding diversity accomplishments of faculty, staff and students at Kansas State University. Recipients have demonstrated a commitment to diversity on-campus or in the community through mentoring, outreach initiatives and other activities which advance the institution’s goal of inclusion. Congratulations to both of our honorees! This award was established in memory of Wallace Ray Kidd. Kidd was a family man, community leader, and the first African-American graduate from the Department of Entomology. He set an example for everyone - students, adults, faculty, community, black and white. This Award is truly a fitting commemoration of his legacy and commitment.
o The 2019 Kansas Black Student Union statewide leadership conference, sponsored by the Department of Diversity and Multicultural Student Affiars (DMSA), will take place on campus on February 19, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. We expect over 300 high school students from Kansas. Our KSTATE MANRRS chapter will participate throughout the day!
Please continue to look for more diversity news and events as we continue to advertise. We appreciate your support. For more information about upcoming events or to collaborate with the DPO, please call 785-532-5793 or contact DPO Staff Lonnie Hobbs, Jr., Graduate Assistant; or Dr. Zelia Wiley, Assistant Dean.