2008 Woodie Awards
Students celebrate diversity, despite rank
Alison Espach
Issue date: 10/5/06 Section: News
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In light of The Princeton Review's latest ranking of Providence College as the No. 1 most homogenous student population in America, "Unity Week"-a series of week-long events geared toward enhancing diversity-was a success. Despite a lingering campuswide concern regarding student demographics, the events received administrative and student support.
"Unity Week is one way that we are intentionally trying to provide members of the PC community with an opportunity to learn about unity and diversity," said Dr. Edward Twyman, dean of the Balfour Center for Multicultural Affairs. "Campus representatives should see efforts and events that demonstrate attempts to develop an appreciation for differences in culture and perspectives."
The appropriately themed week, "One Week, One Community," began Monday with its opening ceremony and ethnic food festival and closed Wednesday with a speech on the Providence community by Mayor David N. Cicilline. The week also included an International Student panel, a community service fair, and a theatrical performance celebrating multiculturalism.
Students and faculty have said that in recent years the College's multicultural awareness levels have significantly increased. They attribute the rising support for diversity promotion to both administration and student support.
"PC has taken two major steps that should have a positive impact in increasing the number of students who have historically been underrepresented at the College," said Twyman, citing need-based financial aid and the test-optional policy. "It is also reasonable to expect PC to make significant strides in achieving diversity both among our student population and our faculty and staff."
Some students say that while the College does not have the numbers to support it, students are very aware of cultural differences.
"I don't think it is a serious problem," said Tiffany Ladin '07. "We don't have that much diversity, but we are still aware of it. I don't think we are closed off from it."
"Unity Week is one way that we are intentionally trying to provide members of the PC community with an opportunity to learn about unity and diversity," said Dr. Edward Twyman, dean of the Balfour Center for Multicultural Affairs. "Campus representatives should see efforts and events that demonstrate attempts to develop an appreciation for differences in culture and perspectives."
The appropriately themed week, "One Week, One Community," began Monday with its opening ceremony and ethnic food festival and closed Wednesday with a speech on the Providence community by Mayor David N. Cicilline. The week also included an International Student panel, a community service fair, and a theatrical performance celebrating multiculturalism.
Students and faculty have said that in recent years the College's multicultural awareness levels have significantly increased. They attribute the rising support for diversity promotion to both administration and student support.
"PC has taken two major steps that should have a positive impact in increasing the number of students who have historically been underrepresented at the College," said Twyman, citing need-based financial aid and the test-optional policy. "It is also reasonable to expect PC to make significant strides in achieving diversity both among our student population and our faculty and staff."
Some students say that while the College does not have the numbers to support it, students are very aware of cultural differences.
"I don't think it is a serious problem," said Tiffany Ladin '07. "We don't have that much diversity, but we are still aware of it. I don't think we are closed off from it."