Philadelphia University conducted a series of cultural, intellectual and social events in April. We called it “Unity Week”  (although it lasted 9 days!). I found the impact on the community to be exhilarating. There were many programs during Unity Week.  Open classes on disco and gay discrimination, Zoot suits and Latino culture; great international cuisine and a wonderful Asian fashion show. Our choir, the Philau Singers, sang 2 South African songs at the opening showcase. After a great deal of discussion with students, faclty and staff, I have centered my learning on the articulation of the experience by Dean mark Govoni. I loosely interpret his perspective below.

The fact that we celebrated diversity as a mechanism for unity is a new paradigm in diversity education: inclusion, unity and harmony. Effectively, the principal is that we are all human, and we all have a ways to go in owning our histories, our heritages, our cultures, our identities and how they impact and interrelate to others not like us.

I asked “Why did Philadelphia University seemed to naturally embrace the celebration and the process?”

Of course, I could opine about an educated mind and an environment of quality and high character. I believe Phialdelphia University is all of that. But I also think the creative mind seeks diverse inputs to craft a more interesting and provocative solution to problems. Our curriculum and the students it attracts is based in creativity and collaboration.  The benefit is superb education. The contribution to society may be much more.