St. Bonaventure students said they are looking forward to running, jogging and dashing to support diversity in the annual Dash for Diversity race next weekend.
On Oct. 11, Bonaventure students will head to the 2015 Dash for Diversity around Ring Road in Delaware Park in Buffalo.
While some may choose to walk and others may opt for a faster pace, students said the common mission of participants is to support diversity in local and surrounding communities.
The Dash for Diversity is an event held by The National Federation of Just Communities of Western New York, Inc., which aims to combat “racism, bias and discrimination by building understanding, respect and trust through education, advocacy and community involvement,” according to the group’s website.
Crisann Bailey, a sophomore accounting and finance major and first-time participant in the event, said she is looking forward to attending.
“I’m excited about the Dash for Diversity because it’s a way of showing you can have fun while celebrating diversity,” Bailey said. “Students should participate in the event to show that the university is making a change in how diversity is viewed.”
Kasey Ennis, a sophomore physical education major and first-time attendee, said she hopes these types of events have a ripple effect of positivity in how people view diversity on campuses.
“I feel as if our school has a high impact and voice in our surrounding communities,” Ennis said. “If we, as students, take a step to show we care in a big event like this one, we can raise awareness to a bigger audience. It is like a domino effect; if someone does good and speaks out for what’s right, it can make a big change in a short time.”
Parker Suddeth, the new coordinator for the newly named Damietta Center for Multicultural Student Affairs, said he is also excited to be a part of the event.
Suddeth will facilitate this event as one of his first duties under his new position.
“When I was hired on Aug. 17, I was told about the Diversity Dash, and so, my job is to recruit students, faculty and staff who are interested in participating in the event,” Suddeth said.
According to Suddeth, this event is only one of the many plans the Damietta Center for Multicultural Student Affairs has for this academic year.
“Some of my goals are to increase the level of cultural competency among students, faculty and staff [and to] improve conditions for students of color here at Bonaventure—all while staying true to the mission of the institution,” Suddeth said. “Evoking programs, practice and policies that increase enrollment retention for students of color at a predominately white institution.”
Suddeth also said he believes the recent improvement of the Damietta Center’s name has been a major step towards accomplishing these goals.
“One of the things being done differently than the past has been the enhancement of the Damietta Center,” Suddeth said. “By enhancing the name of the Damietta Center to the Damietta Center for Multicultural Student Affairs, it gives more of an inclusive and purposeful identity.”
Under Suddeth’s leadership, and with a new name, the faculty of the Damietta Center for Multicultural Affairs will begin its plans for the year with this upcoming event—starting with the Dash for Diversity.
Students interested in joining the Dash for Diversity are encouraged to sign up in RC 208.
Participants will convene outside the Reilly Center Sunday at 7 a.m., registration begins at 8:30 in the Parkside Lodge area and the race begins at 10.
All attendees are welcome to join in an interfaith kickoff service before the race begins and a post-event barbeque. Attendance is free.
mcgurllt14@bonaventure.edu
