Diversity in the 21st Century Addressed at Colorado State University’s 2007 Conference Sept. 25-27

The seventh annual Diversity Conference at Colorado State University will run Sept. 25-27 with a full lineup of prominent keynote speakers, seminars, lunch events, special exhibits and a high-school focus day.

Ambassador Andrew Young and Marcelo Suarez-Orozco, who have magnified the importance of advancing cultural diversity in America, will be the keynote speakers for the 2007 conference, titled "Diversity in the 21st Century: National and Global Dimensions." Both talks are free and open to the public.  

Young, who will speak from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 25 in the Main Ballroom of the Lory Student Center, has been serving the country for almost 50 years with his work as an ambassador, congressman, mayor, humanitarian, ordained minister and international businessman.

He was recently honored with the title of national spokesman for Operation HOPE, a non-profit, self-help organization that brings economic self-sufficiency and a spirit of revitalization to America’s inner-city communities.

Suarez-Orozco is an esteemed lecturer and author who has made significant contributions to the worldwide discussion on the implications of immigration and globalization. His new book, "Learning in a New Land: Immigrant Students in American Society," is the winner of the 2008 Stone Award for Best Book on Education. He will speak from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 26 in the Main Ballroom of the Lory Student Center.  

Book signings will follow each keynote speaker’s address at the Duhesa Lounge in the Lory Student Center.

Included as part of the diversity conference are University Dialogues, an opportunity for the university and greater community to engage in substantive discussions of key issues facing society. The dialogues will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the Cherokee Park Room in the Lory Student Center on the following days:

–     Sept. 25 – Information Technology

–     Sept. 26 – Infectious Disease and Public Health

–     Sept. 27 – Sustainable Enterprise

The conference also offers workshops for the public and high school students on a variety of topics. The workshops are designed to address multiple issues for a broad audience on race, ethnicity, gender, disability, the multi-generational workforce and sexual orientation.

Colorado State Libraries will exhibit relevant books from the print collection during the conference. The books are available for check out; the display is located across from the loan and reserve desk in Morgan Library.

The conference closes with an evening of dance and music sponsored by "Baila Conmigo," a dance company from Denver, which will perform several dances. The event is aimed at raising awareness of the diversity of Latino dance forms and styles.

For a complete schedule of workshops and events and to pre-register for the free conference, visit http://www.diversity.colostate.edu.

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