On Tuesday, April 12th, 2011, a crowd of students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Memorial Union Ballroom to collectively celebrate the achievements of the 13th Annual URI Diversity Awards recipients.
A peach-toned program featured a short blurb about what the award means, "The URI Diversity Awards helps to develop campus community by honoring and promoting personal and organizational initiatives that advance institutional equity and inclusiveness." Although true, this blurb only could not adequately sum up the energy radiating from the room that night.
Beaming smiles carried a contagious element as nominees mingled, laughed, and shared stories over a catered three-course dinner. It was a climatic evening leading to the awards ceremony where fourteen students, faculty, and student organizations were recognized for their contributions to the campus culture.
The ceremony started off with a commendable speech from the Director of the Multicultural Center, Melvin Wade, and followed off with the first set of awards introduced by senior undergraduate student, Denise Dujon. Cue the video. A black screen flashed and a string of text swirled horizontally across the backdrop. Rhythmic music played softly as the first award recipient, Jason Almeida, told the story of how he created a network for disc jockeys. Slowly, audience members felt their heart grow warm and their lips curling into a smile. Something beautiful had happened. Besides being a witness to a quick awards ceremony, fellow peers and supporters were given the opportunity to not just see a name to a plaque, but also the person behind the achievements--their dreams, hopes, and journey to where they are now. In that brief moment, the room of onlookers were able to see more than a short bio, a bolded name, or a picture. They were able to see the passion, determination, and perseverance of an awardee whose intrinsic goals served as his life's motivation.
One by one, stories ran through the projector system. Audience members hopefully watched as Maxwell Edmonds told of his plans of working in Vietnam post-graduation, with plans of applying to medical school when he returned--cheerfully ending off with fingers crossed for his Fulbright scholarship application, and an amiable grin glowing on his face. Students sat transfixed to the screen as students from the Gay Straight Alliance described their round-the-clock protest in the University's 24/4 Hour Room, the prejudices they've seen, and the wholesome support that has come their way. And it didn't stop there.
As one sat through the procession, it quickly became clear that these names, these faces, were more than meets the eye. They were named the 2011 Diversity Award recipients for a reason, and it is with great hope that they will continue their endeavors, continue to inspire, and continue to change the lives in which they live and the world around them.
Please take this time share the few accomplishments of this year's Diversity Award winners, and show your support for the many who are actively taking a role in constructing not only their own, but also the community's future.
Congratulations to the 2011 Diversity Award winners!
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Check out a copy of the program from the evening!
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