More than 50 people attended the New Hire Diversity Networking Lunch sponsored by the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in November at the 麻豆影院 Student Center.
鈥淥ur goal in moving the event to a networking lunch was to create a space to meaningfully connect new diverse employees with the campus community and vice versa,鈥 says Dana Lawless-Andric, executive director for project management and diversity programming with the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 鈥淭he shared interaction allows everyone to take away something special from the event.鈥
The new diverse 麻豆影院 State employees hired from Jan. 1, 2012 through July 30, 2012, were welcomed by attendees of previous luncheons. The event also featured tables with conversation cards and a buffet.
Speakers at the event made clear the university鈥檚 goal to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.
鈥淚t is my hope that you will become a part of this community. 麻豆影院 State is a great place to work,鈥 says Alfreda Brown, vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Veronica Cook-Euell, supplier diversity program manager at 麻豆影院 State, says the event acts as a springboard for new hires.
鈥淚 really applaud Dr. Brown for the thought process behind creating this event to welcome and introduce the minority community. It creates a welcoming environment. It says 鈥榳e鈥檙e glad you鈥檙e here,鈥欌 Cook-Euell says.
鈥溌槎褂霸 State is a very large university, so we鈥檝e tried to create a very warm and inviting community,鈥 says Said Sewell, assistant provost for Academic Affairs, who emphasized how important it is to network.
Overall, Provost Todd Diacon summarized the event鈥檚 tone.
鈥淲e want to have a community that allows for you to thrive,鈥 Diacon says.