Yesterday, HHD held our Multicultural Student Reception to welcome and celebrate our international and diverse students in the college, and it was such a fun chance to talk with many of them.  One of the things I love about HHD is the diversity of our college–diversity in academic disciplines, diversity in career paths, diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and much more.  While I know we have room for improvement, I hope all of our students have found HHD to be a welcoming college for everyone.

I hope you have heard about and plan to attend the kickoff for Penn State’s new diversity and inclusive excellence initiation, “All In”.  As the news announcement explained:

“”All In at Penn State: A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion” will begin with a public event at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 6 in front of Old Main on the University Park campus. The event will include remarks from President Eric Barron and Vice Provost for Educational Equity Marcus Whitehurst, along with music from the Essence of Joy choir; remarks by faculty member Susan Russell and undergraduate student Jin Brooke; and the announcement of a new “All In” Achievement Award to recognize a Penn State student, faculty or staff member who has made a significant contribution to the yearlong celebration and whose life and work embody diversity, inclusion and equity in all of its forms.

The October kick-off event will feature a unique multi-media presentation that will be shown across the front of Old Main and will highlight Penn State’s history, reflect on ways the University can foster dialogue and respect, and ask individuals “Are you all in?” — seeking acknowledgement that diversity, inclusion and equity must continue to be among the core values that drive Penn State’s future.”

This is a great chance for all of us to come together and begin the work needed to accomplish the mission of our university and our nation.  Penn State, like the United States, should be a place where every person can take advantage of the opportunities.  Only when we can say that this is true can we really say that our nation is united.  Only when we can see that this is true for every student can we really say that “WE are Penn State.”