2023: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Students Gather for Inaugural Colloquium

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Students Gather for Inaugural Colloquium

Students in the online graduate certificate program had the opportunity to meet in person and consider practical ways of fostering understanding and collaboration in diverse environments.

By: Shane Baglini Tuesday, December 12, 2023 09:53 AM

Students in the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging graduate certificate program have a discussion at a table with their laptops open

Students take part in the inaugural colloquium event for the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) graduate certificate program.

The Muhlenberg College School of Graduate Studies held its inaugural colloquium event for students in the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) graduate certificate program. The dynamic gathering, hosted in the Fahy Commons for Public Engagement and Innovation, immersed students in critical discussions around privilege, mobilization, literature and social justice, setting the tone for a day of thoughtful exploration.

“The fall colloquium was such a memorable experience. The program, panel and commitment to DEIB work more than exceeded my expectations,” student Damon McCaulley says. “Our cohort’s bond throughout the event left an indelible mark on my spirit.”

Students in the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging graduate certificate program pose for a photo in front of a slide that says DEIB Graduate Colloquium Fall 2023

The Opening Provocation, titled "Grappling with Privilege," was led by Hasshan Batts, D.H.Sc., president of Batts Development Group, executive director of Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley and DEIB program faculty member. Batts delved into the complexities of privilege, sparking introspection among the attendees.

The morning then shifted to a compelling panel discussion on "Mobilizing Privilege." Muhlenberg’s Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Provost for Equity and Inclusion Brooke Vick, Ph.D., facilitated a diverse panel featuring four prominent voices in DEIB, including Muhlenberg faculty and alumni. Each panelist brought a unique perspective to the discussion, drawing on their experiences in fields ranging from education to homelessness coordination. The conversation was rich and nuanced, exploring ways individuals can leverage their privilege to effect positive change.

Students in the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging graduate certificate program sit at a table and applaud

Later in the day, Assistant Professor of English and Africana Studies Emanuela Kucik, Ph.D., led a session called “Literature, Current Events and Social Justice Project Work.” Attendees actively participated in project-based activities, connecting theoretical concepts to real-world applications.

The afternoon sessions, facilitated by Jenna Azar and Vick, focused on “Communicating Across Difference and Capstone Experience.” These sessions encouraged attendees to consider practical ways of fostering understanding and collaboration in diverse environments.

“This event provided a unique opportunity for in-person interactions and the exchange of diverse perspectives ... I gained a deeper connection with professors and classmates and allowed for open and honest dialogue among my cohort.”

Participants left the day with a sense of empowerment, armed with new perspectives, tools and strategies to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

“This event provided a unique opportunity for in-person interactions and the exchange of diverse perspectives,” says Samantha Anglestein ’07, Muhlenberg’s assistant director of college partnerships and student in the DEIB program. “From Dr. Batts’ thought-provoking presentation to a panel of community leaders discussing privilege, I gained a deeper connection with professors and classmates and allowed for open and honest dialogue among my cohort.”