Bridging the Gap: an Annual Showcase of Collaborative Success

September 28, 2016, @ 9:00 AM

The LVAIC Coalition of Diversity Administrators is a prime example of successful collaborative efforts that lead to positive outcomes for the students on all member campuses. This group hosted the annual Bridging the Gap conference on Saturday, September 17^th at Moravian College and an evening semi-formal at Mountaintop Campus at Lehigh University.

“The purpose of this conference is to help students explore their roles as active leaders for cultural change within their institutions and society, to increase awareness of the intersectionality of identity and diversity on campus, and to develop the skills to negotiate systems of privilege, and oppression,” explained the Coalition of Diversity Administrators to attendees.

This year’s conference featured such keynotes as Reverend Dr. James D. Jackson, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Kutztown University and an Adjunct Professor the Wescoe Evening College at Muhlenberg College, and Dr. Belinda Waller-Peterson, Assistant Professor of English at Moravian College.

Topics included: art as activism, building brotherhood on campus, coalition building, exploring identity, how to be an ally, interfaith dialogue, self-care as resistance, sisters and comadres in the struggle, unity in step, understanding privilege, and writing for activism. Concurrent panel discussions and workshops were led by a combination of students, faculty, and staff from Cedar Crest College, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Moravian College, and Muhlenberg College.

“The programs and opportunities offered by the Coalition of Diversity Administrators represent the true essence of collaboration, which is a core principle of the LVAIC consortium. While each of the six member institutions maintain their uniqueness, our administrative team regularly identifies commonalities among our departments, programs, and, most importantly, our students,” explained Chris Hunt, Dean of Dean of Students and Director of Intercultural Advancement & Global Inclusion at Moravian College. “Additionally, our professional group serves as a support network for faculty and staff who are committed to advancing and promoting diversity initiatives on our various campuses.”

Stay tuned for more great events from the LVAIC Coalition of Diversity Administrators throughout the year.