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Celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month 2025!

lfeldman — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Honoring Culture. Celebrating Legacy. Uplifting Voices.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) proudly celebrates Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month 2025 from September 15 to October 15, a national observance honoring the vibrant histories, rich cultures, and vital contributions of communities with roots in Latin America and Spain.

This month, we reflect on and appreciate the diversity of Hispanic and Latinx experiences. At WPI, we highlight the narratives and accomplishments that continue to shape innovation, community, politics, art, and science.

Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month offers a chance to consider how history, identity, and resiliency intersect. The experiences of Hispanic and Latinx people are multifaceted and varied, ranging from Indigenous customs to current campaigns for justice and equity. By listening to these stories, we pay tribute to both the past and the current initiatives that are forming a more inventive and inclusive future.

Our university's academic and social fabric is enhanced by the Hispanic and Latinx faculty, staff, and students who provide insightful approaches to engineering, science, technology, and the arts. This month serves as a reminder that multicultural communities foster innovation, increase scientific understanding, and build more inclusive campuses.

Why September 15 to October 15?

The celebration begins mid-September to honor the Latin American countries who declared independence from Spain on September 15, 1821:
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua

The month-long observance began as a week in 1968 (thanks to CA Rep. George E. Brown) and was officially expanded in 1989 by President George H. W. Bush.

鈥淲e must preserve our culture and celebrate our differences, for in diversity lies strength and creativity.鈥?lt;/span>
鈥?Ellen Ochoa, astronaut and first Hispanic woman in space

STEM Scholar Spotlights

We honor trailblazing Hispanic and Latinx individuals in science and technology:

Pedro Alonso 鈥?Spanish physician and epidemiologist, former Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme.
Severo Ochoa 鈥?Spanish-American biochemist, Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine (1959) for his work on RNA synthesis.
Antonia Novello 鈥?First woman and first Hispanic U.S. Surgeon General; physician and public health leader.
Luis Alvarez 鈥?Nobel Prize-winning physicist and inventor.
France C贸rdova 鈥?Astrophysicist and first Latina NASA Center Director
Ellen Ochoa 鈥?First Hispanic woman in space, engineer and former Johnson Space Center director
Mario Molina 鈥?Chemist and Nobel Laureate for his work on the ozone layer

Explore, Read, Watch, Listen

Explore鈥?lt;/span>National Hispanic Heritage Month鈥痮nline鈥€?lt;/span>鈥?lt;/span>
Listen to the鈥?lt;/span>Latinos Out Loud Podcast鈥?lt;/span>鈥?lt;/span>
Watch 鈥淟a Misma Luna鈥?(2007, Mexican American Drama)鈥?lt;/span>
Listen to鈥?lt;/span>Yo M谩s Te Adoro鈥痓y Morat鈥?lt;/span>
Explore PBS鈥?lt;/span>Hispanic Heritage Month Documentary鈥痗ollection鈥?lt;/span>
Explore the New鈥?lt;/span>Smithsonian Institution鈥檚 National Museum of the American Latino鈥?lt;/span>
Read鈥€?lt;/span>Our Voices, Our Images: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month鈥痓y the Inter-American Development Bank
Read 鈥?lt;/span>National Hispanic Heritage Month Q&A鈥?written by Insight Staff, Insight into Diversity鈥?lt;/span>
Read鈥?lt;/span>The U.S. Hispanic Manifesto鈥痓y鈥?lt;/span>The Hispanic Star鈥?lt;/span>
Explore鈥?lt;/span>Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month鈥痶hrough鈥?lt;/span>WGBH and WORLD Channel鈥?lt;/span>
Watch鈥?lt;/span>Hispanic Heritage Month Movies鈥?lt;/span>
Watch鈥?lt;/span>The Latino List: Volume 1 and 2鈥痮nline via鈥?lt;/span>Gordon Library, directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders鈥?lt;/span>
Watch鈥?lt;/span>Retablo鈥痮nline via TubiTV, directed by Alvaro Delgado-Aparicio, written by Alvaro Delgado-Aparicio and Hector Galvez, produced by Enid Campos, Alvaro Delgado-Aparicio, Lasse Scharpen, and Menno D枚ring, (Lima, Peru: Siri Producciones, Catch of the Day Films, DHF, 2017), 95 minutes鈥?lt;/span>
Listen to the鈥?lt;/span>Level Up Latina Podcast鈥?lt;/span>
Listen to the鈥?lt;/span>Latinx On The Rise Podcast鈥?lt;/span>
Listen to the鈥?lt;/span>Alt Latino Podcast鈥?lt;/span>

Take Action

Support the鈥?lt;/span>Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute鈥?lt;/span>鈥?lt;/span>
Support the鈥?lt;/span>TransLatin@ Coalition鈥?lt;/span>鈥?lt;/span>
Register to Vote鈥?OR-鈥?lt;/span>Check Your Voter Registration鈥?lt;/span>鈥?lt;/span>
Everything you need to vote.鈥?lt;/span>Vote.org鈥?lt;/span>鈥?lt;/span>
Become a鈥?lt;/span>Poll Worker鈥?lt;/span>鈥?lt;/span>

ODIME Logo

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?lt;/span>

Celebrating Pride Month 2025!

lfeldman — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Pride Month 2025

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)鈥?lt;/span>celebrates Pride Month 2025 by honoring and highlighting the identities, advocacy, spaces, and contributions of the LGBTQIAP+ community throughout history.鈥?lt;/span>

The first Pride march happened on June 28, 1970, in honor of the New York City Stonewall Riots that took place just one year prior. About 3,000 to 5,000 activists participated in the original Pride march. Since 1970, this number has grown exponentially. Pride Month is as much a celebration to increase visibility and honor the impact the LGBTQIAP+ community has had on history as it is an ongoing protest for liberation.

We encourage our community to study, observe, and celebrate the countless and sometimes nameless LGBTQIAP+ people who have contributed to this Institute as well as other communities, organizations, and entities around the world.

STEM Scholar Highlights:鈥€?lt;/strong>

Professor Lynn Conway, she/her, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Professor, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Dr. Ajay Jagadeesh, he/him, Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology

Dr. Elise (Zoe Elisa) Clapacs, she/they, Biomedical Engineering, Immunology & Endocrinology

鈥?lt;/span>

Take Action鈥€?lt;/strong>

Attend events:

WPI LGBTQIAP+ Employee Resource Group Pride Event: TBD

Shrewsbury Pride 5K: Saturday, June 7, 9:00am ET

Worcester Art Museum Free Day 鈥?Pride Celebration: Sunday, June 8, 10:00am-4:00pm ET

Intersecting Identities: Confronting Hate Against Queer South Asians: Thursday, June 12, 6:00-7:00pm ET

Movie on the Common 鈥?The Wizard of Oz, Youth Pride Night: Thursday, June 12, 6:00-10:00pm ET

Rocky Horror Picture Show with Shadowcasting by Teseracte Players: Friday, June 13, 9:00pm ET

Studio Theatre Worcester presents At the Wedding: June 20-29

Makeup Application 101: Saturday, June 21, 10:00-11:30am ET

The Best Little Drag Brunch in Worcester: Sunday, June 29, 12:00-2:00pm ET

Pride Storytime: Weekly on Fridays, 1:00-2:00pm ET

Get Involved with and/or donate to鈥?lt;/strong>Pride Worcester

Support鈥?lt;/strong>Safe Homes, Worcester: a program supporting LGBTQIA+ young people between the ages of 14 and 23.

Support鈥?lt;/strong>MassEquality, the "leading statewide grassroots advocacy organization working to ensure that everyone across Massachusetts can thrive from cradle to grave without discrimination and oppression based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression."

Support the鈥?lt;/strong>Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), an organization dedicated to ending oppression and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression.

Register to Vote鈥?OR-鈥?lt;/strong>Check Your Voter Registration鈥€?lt;/strong>

Everything you need to vote.鈥?lt;/strong>Vote.org鈥?lt;/strong>

Read, Watch, Listen, Learn

Explore ODIME鈥檚 LGBTQIAP+ Student Support website to learn about offerings that support our inclusive community

Explore the鈥?lt;/strong>Gordon Library鈥檚 Inclusive Excellence LibGuide and鈥?lt;/strong>LGBTQIAP+ Pride Collection鈥痮nline

Explore鈥?lt;/strong>The Stonewall You Know Is a Myth. And That鈥檚 O.K.鈥?lt;/strong>鈥?lt;/strong>

Explore鈥?lt;/strong>Human Rights Campaign鈥檚 online resources, including鈥?lt;/strong>My Body, My Health

Explore鈥?lt;/strong>Social Science Research Network鈥?SSRN)鈥檚鈥?lt;/strong>Pride Month Hub鈥痮nline鈥?lt;/strong>

Explore鈥?lt;/strong>During Pride Month: Learn to Be an Ally to Transgender People in Your Community鈥痮nline鈥€€?lt;/strong>

Read鈥?lt;/strong>The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist鈥痓y Ben Barres鈥€?lt;/strong>

Read鈥?lt;/strong>Global Gay: How Gay Culture Is Changing the World鈥痓y Fr茅d茅ric Martel鈥?lt;/strong>

Read鈥?lt;/strong>Gender(s)鈥痓y Kathryn Bond Stockton鈥?lt;/strong>

Read鈥?lt;/strong>Butch Heroes鈥痓y Ria Brodell鈥?lt;/strong>

Watch Paris is Burning (1990) on HBO Max

Watch鈥?lt;/strong>East Palace, West Palace (1995)鈥痮n Amazon Prime鈥?lt;/strong>

Watch鈥?lt;/strong>The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)鈥痮n Amazon Prime

Listen to the鈥?lt;/strong>Pride in STEM鈥痯odcast鈥?lt;/strong>

Listen to the鈥?lt;/strong>She Her Dyke鈥痯odcast鈥?lt;/strong>

Listen to the鈥?lt;/strong>Nancy鈥痯odcast鈥?lt;/strong>

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?lt;/span>

WPI Rangeela Earns First-Place Win at Sholay 2025!

lfeldman — Fri, 30 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

A Celebration of Culture, Leadership, and the Power of Community

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) is honored to celebrate a defining achievement for one of our student organizations: WPI Rangeela.

On April 27, 2025, Rangeela claimed first place at Sholay 2025, a premier intercollegiate Bollywood fusion dance competition hosted by Stony Brook University. This is the team鈥檚 first competition win, a long-awaited and emotional milestone for a group that began with a vision鈥攁nd is now a part of WPI history.

WPI Rangeela at Sholay 2025

From Vision to Victory

Although Rangeela was officially recognized in April 2022, its story began in Fall 2021. Five students鈥擜lopa Waje, Pooja Kawatkar, Amrit Kaur, Rayna Jacob, and Aadhya Puttur鈥攂egan laying the groundwork for a cultural dance team at WPI. What started with shared passion quickly became a movement.

Today, the team has grown to more than 25 performers and continues to serve as a cultural home and creative outlet for students of all backgrounds.

At Sholay 2025, Rangeela delivered a stunning, high-energy routine blending Bollywood, Bhangra, and contemporary choreography. Their storytelling and technical excellence earned them first place鈥攁nd the hearts of all in attendance.

A Senior Send-Off: Words from the Founders

Alopa Waje (鈥?5):
鈥淟ots of emotions鈥攅xcited because it feels like everything that has happened over the last four years has led to this moment, humble because of the difficult times each person and the team has faced to get here, and most importantly PROUD because the team has worked so hard and deserves to be rewarded for the win!! 馃弳鈥?lt;/span>

Amrit Kaur (鈥?5):
鈥淚t鈥檚 crazy. When the five of us first got together with the shared interest of dance, I never thought it would get to where we are today. We鈥檝e grown to 25+ members, given so many the chance to perform on stage and learn new styles. To bring home First鈥攔ight before graduation鈥攍eaves me speechless. I鈥檓 so proud of everyone who made this dream real and so glad I was part of creating a family at WPI.鈥?lt;/span>

Pooja Kawatkar (鈥?5):
鈥淚 feel so happy and proud!! It feels surreal鈥攍ike I was living the final episode of a TV season and I want to relive it. Since 2021, we鈥檝e worked tirelessly to get Rangeela here. Our friends, family, and supporters gave us the strength to give it our all. The team is growing fast, and every time I see them perform, I鈥檓 even more proud. It really is only going up from here!鈥?lt;/span>

Rayna Jacob (鈥?5):
鈥淚鈥檓 so incredibly proud of everyone!! I truly believe we won because of our relentless dedication to the team鈥攚hether it was late night practices, hours of fundraising, or lugging the saap and khunde bags across campus. We all sacrificed for the team and I can't say how lucky I am to have a team who is willing to put in the extra effort, even through all the highs and lows. That effort and spirit of teamwork was the reason for our first-place victory at Sholay and I hope it inspires the future generation of Rangeela!!鈥?lt;/span>

Members of WPI Rangeela Holding the 1st Place Trophy

Together, this team continues to represent what鈥檚 possible when culture, creativity, and student-led excellence come together. ODIME is proud to support Rangeela as they inspire the next generation of student leaders, artists, and changemakers.

Congratulations, Rangeela!!

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

Class of 2025 Lavender Celebration!

lfeldman — Tue, 27 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Lavender Celebration Class of 2025

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and family gathered to celebrate our graduating LGBTQIAP+ students at the 2025 Lavender Celebration, hosted in Unity Hall by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME).

Lavender Celebration is an event that recognizes LGBTQIAP+ students of all races and ethnicities and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to WPI. Lavender is important to LGBTQ+ history. It is a combination of the pink triangle that gay men were forced to wear in concentration camps and the black triangle designating lesbians as political prisoners in Nazi Germany. The LGBTQ+ civil rights movement took these symbols of hatred and combined them to make symbols and color of pride and community.

During this year's celebration, the entire WPI community was invited to recognize over 50 graduating students. As a part of the event, the Student of Distinction Award, honoring students who have made a significant impact to the WPI community through programming, leadership, and/or advocacy for the LGBTQIAP+ campus community, was also awarded. The Student of Distinction for this year was awarded to Emiliano Sola '25.

The ceremony featured words of wisdom and speeches by President Grace Wang, Max Ketter '28, Executive Board Member of the Queer and Trans People of Color Coalition (QTPOCC), Quinn Sandberg 鈥?5, Vice President of the Alliance, affiliate chapter of oSTEM, Lauren Feldman, Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality, and Zoe Reidinger, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering.

"Wherever you go next, go forward with pride, passion, and the kind of joy that can change everything."

-Lauren Feldman (they/she), Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality

Thank you to all who were able to attend the Lavender Celebration and support our Class of 2025 graduates! To the class of 2025, congratulations!

President Grace Wang speaking at Lavender Celebration 2025.

Max Ketter, QTPOCC Executive Board Member, speaking at Lavender Celebration 2025.

Quinn Sandberg '25, Vice President of the Alliance, speaking at Lavender Celebration 2025.

Lavender Celebration 2025

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

Celebrating Women's History Month 2025

lfeldman — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

ODIME Logo

In March 2025, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) celebrates Women's History Month:

"Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations."

The National Women鈥檚 History Alliance (NWHA) is the organization responsible for crafting new themes annually, NWHA continues to highlight the vital contributions of women throughout history. Dedicated to preserving and promoting women鈥檚 history, NWHA works to ensure that the role of women in shaping society is recognized and celebrated nationwide.

Women's History Month honors the resilience, dedication, and far-reaching influence of women who have devoted their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. It highlights the pivotal role they play in shaping the minds of future generations, fostering innovation, and inspiring meaningful change across all sectors of society. From classrooms to boardrooms, from grassroots activism to global policymaking, these women serve as catalysts for progress, ensuring that knowledge, empowerment, and opportunity are accessible to all. Their contributions not only break down barriers but also create a lasting impact that transcends generations, paving the way for a more inclusive future.

"Nothing is inherently bound by the limitations of genders, except the part when one imposes such limitations upon it."

-Viraj Samant (Graduate Assistant 鈥?ODIME)

At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, we deeply appreciate the remarkable contributions and transformative impact of these distinguished women across various fields. In recognition of their dedication and achievements, we would like to extend special mentions to a few outstanding individuals.

Anne Clarke Wolff is a trailblazer in the financial sector, bringing over 30 years of experience in banking and corporate leadership. Before founding Independence Point Advisors (IPA) in 2021, she held senior positions at major financial institutions, including Bank of America, Citigroup, and Lehman Brothers, where she was often one of the few women in leadership roles.

With IPA, she created the first woman-founded investment bank and advisory firm on Wall Street, dedicated to promoting inclusivity in financial dealmaking鈥攁 traditionally man-dominated industry. Clarke Wolff has been a strong proponent of advocating for equal representation at the decision-making table. She believes that pragmatic leadership teams drive better business outcomes and economic growth.

Despite the political and economic shifts that have challenged the corporate climate, she remains steadfast in her commitment to fostering inclusive environments. She actively works with organizations to ensure that efforts towards inclusive excellence are not just performative gestures but integral to business success. Her work has paved the way for more women and underrepresented professionals to enter and thrive in finance, making her a key figure in reshaping the industry's future.

Bri Howard is making significant strides in the sports industry, particularly in advancing opportunities for women in professional football. As a representative of the Detroit Lions, she played a key role in the NFL's 9th annual Women's Forum in February 2025, an initiative designed to foster connections between women and NFL executives, coaches, and team leaders.

The forum serves as a pivotal platform for expanding career opportunities for women within the league, from coaching and scouting to front-office leadership and operations. Howard鈥檚 participation reflects her dedication to breaking barriers in a traditionally man-dominated field, helping to increase the representation of women at all levels of the NFL.

Her contributions align with the league鈥檚 broader push for gender pluralism, which has already led to groundbreaking milestones, such as the record 15 full-time woman coaches in the 2024 season. By advocating for inclusivity and mentorship, Bri Howard is shaping the future of professional football, ensuring that women not only have a seat at the table but also thrive in influential roles within the sport.

Ambika Mod is a rising star in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her compelling performances and significant impact on representation in film and television. Gaining widespread recognition for her roles in "This Is Going to Hurt" and "One Day," she has been praised for bringing depth, authenticity, and emotional nuance to her characters.

In 2024, her talent and influence earned her a place on Forbes鈥?30 Under 30 Europe list, recognizing young trailblazers shaping the future of their industries. She was also named one of Time Magazine鈥檚 100 Emerging Leaders, highlighting her role in reshaping perceptions of leading roles in entertainment. As a British-Indian actress, Mod has been instrumental in challenging industry norms and advocating for greater representation in storytelling.

Her work extends beyond acting, as she actively speaks out about inclusivity in media, encouraging more opportunities for underrepresented voices. Through her performances and advocacy, Ambika Mod is redefining what it means to be a leading figure in film and television, inspiring a new generation of artists and audiences alike.

Here are some remarkable women who made significant contributions and brought major changes in various fields during the 2010s:

Politics & Activism

Malala Yousafzai 鈥?A Pakistani activist for girls' education, Malala survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 and went on to become the youngest Nobel Prize laureate in 2014. She founded the Malala Fund, advocating for education access worldwide.

Greta Thunberg 鈥?A Swedish environmental activist, Thunberg gained global recognition in 2018 for her climate change protests, inspiring millions through her "Fridays for Future" movement. She was named Time鈥檚 Person of the Year in 2019.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) 鈥?Elected to the U.S. Congress in 2018, AOC became the youngest woman ever elected at age 29. She championed progressive policies such as the Green New Deal and economic justice initiatives.

Tarana Burke 鈥?Founder of the #MeToo movement, which gained international momentum in the 2010s, empowering survivors of sexual harassment and assault to speak out against systemic abuse.

Science & Technology

Katie Bouman 鈥?A computer scientist, Bouman played a key role in developing the algorithm that led to the first-ever image of a black hole in 2019, revolutionizing astrophysics.

Jennifer Doudna & Emmanuelle Charpentier 鈥?These scientists co-developed CRISPR-Cas9, a groundbreaking gene-editing technology that has transformed medicine and genetics. Their work earned them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020.

Fei-Fei Li 鈥?A leader in artificial intelligence, she helped develop ImageNet, a critical dataset for training AI models, and became an advocate for ethical AI usage in tech.

Arts & Entertainment

Beyonc茅 鈥?A global music icon, Beyonc茅 used her platform for empowerment and feminism, releasing groundbreaking albums like Lemonade (2016) and headlining Coachella in 2018 with a historic performance.

Lupita Nyong鈥檕 鈥?The Kenyan-Mexican actress won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for 12 Years a Slave (2013) and became a champion for non-discrimination in Hollywood.

Ava DuVernay 鈥?A filmmaker who broke barriers, she directed Selma (2014) and 13th (2016), highlighting injustice and criminal justice reform. She was the first Black woman to direct a film nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars.

Sports

Serena Williams 鈥?One of the greatest tennis players of all time, Williams continued dominating the sport throughout the 2010s, winning multiple Grand Slam titles while advocating for maternal health awareness.

Megan Rapinoe 鈥?A U.S. soccer star and activist, Rapinoe led the U.S. Women's National Team to victory in the 2019 FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup while advocating for equal pay in sports and LGBTQIAP+ rights.

Simone Biles 鈥?A record-breaking gymnast, Biles dominated the sport in the 2010s, winning multiple Olympic and World Championship medals while also speaking out on mental health and abuse in sports.

These trailblazing women not only shaped history but also paved the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps. Their resilience, leadership, and groundbreaking achievements in politics, science, entertainment, and sports have redefined what is possible for women across the globe. Whether advocating for education, climate action, or technological advancements, each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on society.

"With this Women's History Month, we look back to the incredible work that has been done and we look forward to what can be done. There isn't a doubt in my mind that some of the future leaders and makers of history will come from the WPI community."

-Lauren Feldman (they/she), Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality (ODIME)

As we celebrate Women鈥檚 History Month in 2025, we honor their legacy and recognize the vital role women continue to play in shaping our world. Their contributions remind us that progress is built through determination, courage, and the unwavering belief in a brighter future. By uplifting and supporting the next generation of leaders, educators, and changemakers, we can ensure that their impact continues to resonate for years to come.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

Celebrating Black History Month 2025: Trailblazers, Changemakers, and Visionaries

alesane — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Honoring Black History Month at WPI: A Celebration of Legacy and Community

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) celebrates Black History Month (2025) by honoring the vibrant culture, heritage, and significant contributions of Black Americans. This month invites us all to pause and reflect on the deep-rooted traditions, innovations, and legacies that have shaped our past and continue to guide our collective future.

Shaping and guiding young minds toward the path of equality and inclusion transforms society, fostering an environment free from prejudice. Together, we can create a world where unity and collective celebration are at the heart of progress. What we do now will be remembered for generations to come.

鈥?Viraj V. Samant, Graduate Assistant for the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)

Building a Future Together

There is a power of unity and the importance of coming together to embrace our differences. Our strength lies in our diversity, and Black History Month serves as a reminder of the beauty in our shared humanity. It鈥檚 a chance for all of us to celebrate the past, honor the present, and work toward a future defined by inclusion, respect, and opportunity for all.

This month, we invite everyone to join us in fostering an environment of understanding, engagement, and action. Whether you鈥檙e supporting Black-led initiatives, reflecting on the impact of historical movements, or acknowledging the innovators shaping our world, every moment is an opportunity to contribute to something larger than ourselves.

Join Us for Black History Month Events at WPI

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) is excited to host a range of events throughout February that celebrate Black history 鈥?past, present, and future, inspire thought, and create spaces for meaningful connection within our community:

Ways to Engage in Black History Month in Worcester, MA:

Spotlight: Honoring the Legacy of Louis Stokes
Louis Stokes, a pioneering congressman and advocate for diversity, was a trailblazer for minority representation in STEM. His lifelong dedication to advancing educational opportunities and promoting inclusivity continues to inspire future generations.

Louis Stokes 鈥?Case Western Reserve University

LSAMP Program 鈥?Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, National Science Foundation, promoting access to STEM education for underrepresented groups.

LSAMP at WPI 鈥?Celebrating the ongoing impact of the LSAMP program at WPI, empowering students to pursue and thrive in STEM fields.

The Ongoing Importance of Black History Month

Black history is woven into every chapter of American life. This month is a reminder to celebrate, educate, and reflect鈥攏ot just on the accomplishments of the past, but on how we can contribute to a future of equity and inclusion.

Let鈥檚 honor the legacy, strength, and beauty of Black heritage, celebrate the achievements of today鈥檚 trailblazers, and work together to foster a future that ensures dignity, respect, and opportunity for all.

This Black History Month and every month following, I鈥檓 reminded of the power of joy and the strength in belonging. These cultural moments remind us that hope is not passive; it鈥檚 something we create together, in every action and every celebration.

By honoring each other鈥檚 stories, we build a future where joy isn鈥檛 a rarity, but a constant, and where everyone鈥檚 place is not just acknowledged, but embraced.

鈥?Alesia LeSane, Assistant Director for Multicultural Education and Student Success

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student-facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?lt;/strong>

LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Trainings in C & D Term

lfeldman — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Join the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education for LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Trainings! These trainings are divided into a 101- and 201-level and will be offered on a termly basis in Higgins Labs 114 (C-Term) and Stratton Hall 301 (D-Term). Both trainings will include creating an action plan and discovering new resources for continued learning. Trainings are limited to 30 people maximum. Registration on myWPI is recommended. Please contact Lauren Feldman (they/she) at diversity@wpi.edu with any questions or accommodations requests.

101: Learn about identities, pronouns, and how to advocate for your students and colleagues.

C-Term: Tuesday, January 28, 2025; 11:00am-12:30pm ET

Zoom: Thursday, March 13, 2025; 1:30-3:00pm ET

D-Term: Wednesday, March 26, 2025; 2:00-3:30pm ET

201: Learn about LGBTQIAP+ history, queer identity in other cultures, and queer liberation. Participants are encouraged to either attend the 101 training or have solid foundational knowledge before attending the 201 training.

C-Term: Tuesday, February 4, 2025; 11:00am-12:30pm ET

D-Term: Tuesday, April 1, 2025; 2:00-3:30pm ET

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

Employee Resource Groups

bgwann — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0000

The Employee Resource Groups-ERG (Formerly known as Inclusive Excellence Employee Resource Groups-IEERG) offer great opportunities for employees to network internally, to provide the inclusion of ideas and solutions, and to create opportunities for mentoring, career development, and social engagement. These groups highlight WPI鈥檚 commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across campus. ERGs also help attract a diverse employee base and further tap into the extraordinary resources and talents of WPI鈥檚 employees.

Some of our existing ERGs are provided below. You can also view the mission and areas of focus for each group by clicking here:

Accessibility Network

Jewish Faculty, Administrators, Staff, and Allies Group (JFAST)

LGBTQIA+ Community

Men of Color Coalition

Shades of Strength Society (Women of Color Affinity Group)

Turkish Faculty and Staff Group

WPI Community of Valor (Veterans Group)

Also, the DEIB team has received requests for the following affinity/interest groups. However, we are looking for volunteers to help lead these exciting groups below:

Working Parents/Elder Care Group

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Collective

WPI Christian Community

WPI Marvel & DC Comics Fanatics

If you have any questions or are interested in joining any new or existing ERG, please don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out to the office of DEIB at DEIB@wpi.edu.

Assistant Professor Richard Lopez Attends Career Building Neuroscience Workshop

cbwamback — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0000

With a generous Career Enhancement Grant from the American Psychological Foundation, Richard Lopez, assistant professor neuroscience and psychology, recently attended the SEE-Diversity to Success Workshop for early career neuroscientists from August 25-29 at the Neuroscience Institute at the University of Chicago.

Now in its fourth year, the SEE-Diversity (Scholarships to Enhance and Empower Diversity) program provides long-term mentoring and professional enrichment for early career neuroscientists from underrepresented backgrounds. The program's goal is to help these researchers transition into academic positions and increase their retention in those roles.

鈥淚 immediately felt a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie with fellow workshop participants and leaders, and that set a positive and encouraging tone for the rest of the week,鈥?reflected Lopez.

Topics for the workshop sessions were wide ranging and included: demystifying the process of NIH grant writing; thoughts and stories about imposter syndrome; how to build resilience among diverse and underrepresented neuroscientists; and merging long term professional and personal growth.

Other highlights included meeting with mentors and coaches to revise initial drafts of NIH grant proposals.

鈥淚t was incredible and refreshing to have a supportive group where I could make more progress on my grant writing in 30-45 minutes than I typically would in a month or so,鈥?said Lopez. 鈥淥verall, this program not only was incredibly useful and timely (especially with respect to tools and tricks to improve grant writing), but it provided me with an amazing support network and mentors going forward so I can continue to thrive and grow as a neuroscientist and a mentor to others.鈥?lt;/span>

LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Trainings in A & B Term

lfeldman — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Join the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education for LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Trainings! These trainings are divided into a 101- and 201-level and will be offered on a termly basis in Salisbury Labs (SL 406). Both trainings will include creating an action plan and discovering new resources for continued learning. Trainings are limited to 30 people maximum. Registration on myWPI is recommended. Please contact Lauren Feldman (she/they) at diversity@wpi.edu with any questions or accommodations requests.

101: Learn about identities, pronouns, and how to advocate for your students, friends, and colleagues.

A-Term: Tuesday, September 10, 2024; 2:00-3:30pm ET

Zoom: Tuesday, October 15, 2024; 1:30-3:00pm ET

B-Term: Wednesday, October 30, 2024; 11:00am-12:30pm ET

201: Learn about LGBTQIAP+ history, queer identity in other cultures, and queer liberation. Participants are encouraged to either attend the 101 training or have solid foundational knowledge before attending the 201 training.

A-Term: Wednesday, September 18, 2024; 11:00am-12:30pm ET

B-Term: Wednesday, November 6, 2024; 1:00-2:30pm ET

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

ODIME Logo

ODIME Presents the New and Improved LGBTQIAP+ Student Support Website

lfeldman — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) is pleased to announce the LGBTQIAP+ Student Support website has been updated.

The new LGBTQIAP+ Student Support has updated resources, both on campus and in the Worcester and Massachusetts communities, as well as brand new pages with information about pronouns, LGBTQIAP+ identities and flags, and upcoming LGBTQIAP+ advocacy trainings.

鈥淭he vision for the updated website is to be a one-stop shop for both LGBTQIAP+ people to find resources and for allies to find educational information. I am excited for this updated support measure for our community, and I hope this will provide extra security and information as we build off the progress we have made so far. I would also extend my appreciation to the ODIME team and the LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Board for their contributions to this project.鈥?lt;/span>

-Lauren Feldman (she/they), Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality

We encourage the WPI campus community to review these new resources and learn about the many opportunities and supports for LGBTQIAP+ people on campus.

If there are any questions, further update suggestions, etc., please contact Lauren Feldman at diversity@wpi.edu.

Visit https://bit.ly/WPILGBTQ to learn more about LGBTQIAP+ Student Support. Thank you to all who contributed to the website updates!

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

ODIME Welcomes Our New Students to the WPI Herd!

alanejr — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000

ODIME Logo

Greetings New WPI Scholars,

Welcome Home! We are so excited for you as you embark on your WPI journey!

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) houses several identity centers which are designed to foster an inclusive campus community which respects, honors, and celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in all of its dimensions; including but not limited to differences of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, socioeconomic status, ability, nationality/citizenship, and other identities.

Our team of professionals, paraprofessionals, and Campus Chaplains are here to support your transition to the university and assist you with making campus and community connections with students, faculty, staff, and alumni this semester (A-Term and B-Term) and beyond. Our programs and services are open to all students. Meet some members of the ODIME team below:

Arnold Lane, Jr. (He/Him), Director of Multicultural Education and Community Engagement

Alesia LeSane (She/Her), Assistant Director for Multicultural Education and Student Success

Lauren Feldman (She/They), Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality

TBA, Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life

Nikita McKay (She/Her), Administrative Assistant

You can learn more about our programs, services, and resources here: /offices/diversity.

Please consider joining us in meeting new undergraduate and graduate students by attending ODIME鈥檚 Welcome Receptions and Affinity Caucus Meetings throughout New Student Orientation (NSO) and Welcome Week. Full details and links to RSVP are below and events are open to all students.

ODIME Unity Reception

Monday, August 19, 2024 at 4:30 PM EDT in the Innovation Studio

Multicultural Reception and Club Fair for students to connect with ODIME affinity student groups and campus diversity resources. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.

ODIME Black Caucus Meeting

Monday, August 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT in Unity Hall

This meeting will bring together students of the Black diaspora/identity/culture to learn more about identity-specific resources available at WPI/in Worcester, MA. Open to undergraduate students.

ODIME Hispanic/Latinx Caucus Meeting

Monday, August 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT in Unity Hall

This meeting will bring together students of the Hispanic/Latinx diaspora/identity/culture to learn more about identity-specific resources available at WPI/in Worcester, MA. Open to undergraduate students.

ODIME Pan Asian Caucus Meeting

Monday, August 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT in Unity Hall

This meeting will bring together students of the Pan Asian diaspora/identity/culture to learn more about identity-specific resources available at WPI/in Worcester, MA. Open to undergraduate students.

ODIME LGBTQIAP+ Student Welcome Reception

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 4:30 PM EDT in the Innovation Studio

Multicultural Reception to celebrate and welcome new LGBTQIAP+ students and allow individuals to come together to meet other students, faculty, and staff with shared identities. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.

ODIME LGBTQIAP+ Caucus Meeting

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT in Unity Hall

This meeting will bring together LGBTQIAP+ students to learn more about identity-specific resources available at WPI/in Worcester, MA. Open to undergraduate students.

ODIME Interfaith Welcome Reception

Wednesday, August 23, 2024 at 4:30 PM EDT at the Collegiate Religious Center (19 Schussler Road)

Multicultural and Interfaith Reception to celebrate and welcome new students seeking religious/spiritual community connections and to allow individuals to come together to meet other students, faculty, and staff with shared identities. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.

ODIME Women's Welcome Reception

Monday, August 26, 2024 at 4:30 PM EDT in the WPI Sports and Recreation Center (after NSO)

Multicultural Reception to celebrate and welcome new campus women and allow individuals to come together to meet other students, faculty, and staff with shared identities. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.

ODIME BIPOC/ALANA Student Welcome Reception

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 4:30 PM EDT in Unity Hall (after NSO)

Multicultural Reception to celebrate and welcome new BIPOC/ALANA students and allow individuals to come together to meet other students, faculty, and staff with shared identities. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.

Students, faculty, and staff may register to attend these programs using myWPI. For more information or if you require any accommodations, please email Arnold Lane at diversity@wpi.edu.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?lt;/strong>

A Haven for All: Peace Pole at the Collegiate Religious Center (CRC)

kcummings — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0000

A Haven for All: Peace Pole at the Collegiate Religious Center (CRC)

Like any idea, Peace can come from anywhere. Why not start in front of the Collegiate Religious Center?

In November of 2021, the undergraduate student staff in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) dreamed about a project that might provide an 鈥渆xcellent connection to our earth and the world鈥? These students wanted to make an impact on campus, throwing ideas into a shared google document in-between working shifts.

One student employee wrote, 鈥?lt;a>Peace Pole installations serve as some sort of symbol of unity and collaboration between diverse groups of people. The easiest space would be the front Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) lawn鈥?

Two years later, a newly installed Peace Pole and vibrant Community Greenhouse are the first visible symbols at 19 Schussler Road, beside the Collegiate Religious Center (CRC). Many of those who have lent some sweat equity to these projects, which is one of the tasks specified in WPI鈥檚 sustainability plan , have been more than years in the making. WPI鈥檚 inaugural assistant director for religion and spiritual life believes symbols like these will close the gap between science and religion allowing the university鈥檚 primary interfaith space, the CRC, to serve as a natural place to put community efforts into action.

A call for peace is a tall order for this moment. Our students鈥?have a tenacious way of reminding us to believe in an array of possibilities. Like most revolutions, we start here with a symbol. And with the installation of the Peace Pole, I hold space for the possibility of peace prevailing here and everywhere on Earth

-Rev. Kalvin Cummings, Emeritus Campus Chaplain

The Peace Pole project displays languages most widely spoken within our diverse community. In collaboration with the Office of International Student Life, Gujarati, Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, English, Arabic, Swahili, Greek are the (8) eight languages proclaiming the message 鈥淢ay Peace Prevail on Earth鈥? For more information on how to install a Peace Pole in your corner of our campus community contact the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) and/or Facilities Office.

The Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) provides a space to WPI students, faculty, staff, and community members for the purpose of religious exploration, devotions, worship, prayer, education, administration, and fellowship. Our team of Campus Chaplains serve as spiritual advisors for students, and can offer support and guidance irrespective of students' primary religious traditions. As spiritual advisors to the WPI community, Campus Chaplains counteract the inequality of varied expression(s) of religion, spirituality, and any form of meaning-making practice and support student meaning-making expression to tend with systems of oppression as well as any other stressors. This center includes several reservable spaces to suit both spiritual and non-spiritual needs, including a Multifaith Meeting Space, Islamic Prayer Room, and Multifaith Worship Space.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?amp;nbsp;

WPI Earns 4/5 Stars on Campus Pride Index: Aiming for Continued Progress and Success

lfeldman — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0000

During summer 2024, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) team led by Lauren Feldman (she/they), Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality, in collaboration with key stakeholders and campus partners worked to update Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)鈥檚 Campus Pride Index profile. WPI received a score of four out of five stars.

Campus Pride is a nonprofit organization that works to build safer college campuses for LGBTQIAP+ students, faculty, and staff. This organization, founded in 2001, exists 鈥渢o develop, support and give 鈥渧oice and action鈥?in building future LGBTQ and ally student leaders鈥?(campuspride.org).

鈥淚 am excited both to see the great work that has been done already on campus to support our LGBTQIAP+ students and to see the areas of focus we can work on. Now is the time for us to use this tool to continue adjusting our systems to be even more supportive, inclusive, and safe.鈥?lt;/span>

-Lauren Feldman (she/they), Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality

Through Campus Pride, comes the Campus Pride Index (CPI). The CPI was created in 2007 and acts as a benchmarking tool for colleges across the United States to determine their areas of strength and areas for growth when it comes to supporting LGBTQIAP+ students, faculty, and staff on their campus. The results of this assessment are posted to the Campus Pride website and provide an educational resource for prospective students, families, and employees to view various aspects of inclusion and safety on campuses across the country.

In the most up to date assessment, WPI received a score of 4 out of 5 stars. This is an improvement from WPI鈥檚 previous score of 3.5 out of 5 stars. WPI ranked highly with 5 stars each, in Student Life, Housing & Residence Life, and Counseling & Health, providing students with a variety of opportunities to build community and identify resources for support, including student organizations, all gender housing opportunities, and student health insurance plans which support gender-affirming care and counseling options.

鈥淭he Campus Pride Index is one of many metrics ODIME intends to utilize to build on the ongoing strategic work being completed to support LGBTQIAP+ students inside and outside of the classroom. We are committed to partnering with students, faculty, staff, campus leaders, and alums to continue actualizing and sustaining programs and services allowing the university to live up to [and exceed] this rating. Our sincere hope is for all LGBTQIAP+ students and employees to feel a true sense of community and campus pride at WPI. We are just getting started.鈥?lt;/span>

-Arnold Lane, Jr. (he/him), Director of Multicultural Education and Community Engagement

Campus Pride Index Rating, 4 out of 5 Stars

A huge thank you to all campus offices, departments, and administrators who helped to update WPI鈥檚 profile. With the information from the Campus Pride Index, ODIME and the larger campus community are committed to creating and sustaining a stronger campus community.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?lt;/strong>

WPI Celebrates Pride Month 2024

lfeldman — Fri, 31 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Pride Month 2024

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) celebrates Pride Month 2024 by honoring and highlighting the diverse identities, spaces, and contributions of the LGBTQIAP+ community throughout history.

The first Pride march happened on June 28, 1970, honoring the Stonewall Riots in New York City that took place just one year prior. This march was a protest with 3,000-5,000 activists participating. Since 1970, this number has grown exponentially. Pride Month is as much a celebration to increase visibility and honor the impact the LGBTQIAP+ community has had on history as it is an ongoing protest for liberation.

We encourage our community to study, observe, and celebrate the countless and sometimes nameless LGBTQIAP+ people who have contributed to this Institute as well as other communities, organizations, and entities around the world.

STEM Scholar Highlights:鈥?amp;nbsp;

Dr. Lauren Esposito, (she/her) Co-Founder of Islands & Seas and creator of 500 Queer Scientists

Dr. Carlos A. Arg眉elles-Delgado, (they/them), Neutrino Physicist and Assistant Professor in Harvard University鈥檚 Physics Department

Dr. Shawn Hercules, (he/they), Cancer Biologist and Epidemiologist

Take Action鈥?amp;nbsp;

Attend Pride Worcester events:

LGBT Asylum Task Force Community Dinner: Monday, June 10, 2024, 6:00-8:00 PM ET

Gender Roundtable Discussion: Monday, June 17, 2024, 6:30-8:00 PM ET

Worcester County Pride Pottery Paint Night: Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 6:30-8:30 PM ET

Movie on the Common 鈥?Barbie: Thursday, June 20, 2024, 6:00-10:00 PM ET

Summer BBQ: Saturday, June 22, 2024, 6:00-8:00 PM ET

Love Your Labels鈥?lt;/strong> Queer AF 2024 Kickoff: Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 6:00-8:00 PM ET

Get Involved with and/or donate to Pride Worcester

Support Safe Homes, Worcester: a program supporting LGBTQIA+ young people between the ages of 14 and 23.

Support MassEquality, the "leading statewide grassroots advocacy organization working to ensure that everyone across Massachusetts can thrive from cradle to grave without discrimination and oppression based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression."

Support the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), an organization dedicated to ending oppression and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression.

Register to Vote -OR- Check Your Voter Registration鈥?amp;nbsp;

Everything you need to vote. Vote.org鈥?amp;nbsp;

Read, Watch, Listen, Learn

Explore the Gordon Library鈥檚 LGBTQIAP+ Pride & Culture Library Guide online

Explore The Stonewall You Know Is a Myth. And That鈥檚 O.K.

Explore Human Rights Campaign鈥檚 My Body, My Health online resource

Explore Social Science Research Network (SSRN)鈥檚 Pride Month Hub online

Explore During Pride Month: Learn to Be an Ally to Transgender People in Your Community online鈥€?amp;nbsp;

Read How to Honor Pride Month Amid Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks online

Read The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist by Ben Barres

Read Global Gay: How Gay Culture Is Changing the World by Fr茅d茅ric Martel

Read Gender(s) by Kathryn Bond Stockton

Read Butch Heroes by Ria Brodell

Watch East Palace, West Palace (1995) on Freevee

Watch specials on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)鈥檚 Pride Month Collection

Watch The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018) on Amazon Prime

Listen to the Pride in STEM podcast

Listen to the She Her Dyke podcast

Listen to the Nancy podcast

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?lt;/strong>

WPI Celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month 2024

alesane — Fri, 31 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month 2024 by honoring and highlighting the diverse culture, heritage, achievements, and contributions of the Caribbean American Diaspora Community throughout history. Worcester, Massachusetts has the third largest Caribbean American population. We encourage our community to study, observe, and celebrate today and every day in support and recognition of the history and culture of this community.

鈥淐aribbean Americans have added to our history, culture, and communities in countless ways. The unique relationship between the United States and the Caribbean has enriched both regions, and this month is a wonderful time to celebrate our shared past and future.鈥?lt;/span>

STEM Scholar Highlights:

Dr. Cindy M. Duke (Johns Hopkins and Yale-trained Physician Scientist and Virologist)

Ayanna Samuels (Aerospace Engineer)

Dr. Jerelle Joseph (Scientist)

Read, Watch, Listen and Learn

Explore The Caribbean Musuem Center for the Arts (CMCARTS)

Explore Island Space: America鈥檚 Only Caribbean Heritage Museum

Explore and learn about WPI鈥檚 Latin and Caribbean studies

Explore the Digital Library of the Caribbean

Explore Caribbean recipes

Explore Cookbooks of the Caribbean

Explore the Sounds of Caribbean Rhythms, Roots, and Resistance

Explore Books by Haitian & Haitian American Authors

Read about the history of the Caribbean

Explore and read Jamaican voices in novels, poetry, stories & memoir

Read stories of Caribbean community

Read Caribbean Studies, a peer reviewed multidisciplinary journal

Watch documentaries about Caribbean stories

Watch Caribbean folklore

Listen to the Carry on Friends, The Caribbean American podcast

Listen to the Caribbean Science Fiction Network podcast

Listen to the Nerds with Accents podcast

Take Action

Support WPI's Caribbean and Hispanic Student Association (CHA).

Participate in the annual Worcester Caribbean American Carnival at Noon on August 25, 2024, in Institute Park, 126 Salisbury St., Worcester. Showcasing the rich diverse Caribbean American community of arts and craft, Caribbean food, and music.

Support the Caribbean Science Foundation

Register to Vote -OR- Check Your Voter Registration

Everything you need to vote. Vote.org

Become a Poll Worker

The Institute of Caribbean Studies effort to establish National Caribbean American Heritage Month began in 1999 with an outreach to President Bill Clinton asking for recognition. This resulted in the first White House Caribbean American community briefing. In 2001, the ICS was joined by the Trans Africa Forum and the Caribbean Staff Association of the World Bank to organize events in June, promoting the month of June as National Caribbean Heritage Month and the moment slowly began to build. The bill was introduced and reintroduced and passed in the House in June of 2005, and the Senate in February 2006. A proclamation making the resolution official was signed by President Georg Bush on June 5, 2006.

Learn more: https://nationaltoday.com/caribbean-american-heritage-month/

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

Class of 2024 Lavender Commencement Ceremony

lfeldman — Thu, 30 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and family gathered to celebrate our graduating LGBTQIAP+ students at the 2024 Lavender Commencement Ceremony, hosted in the Innovation Studio by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME).

Established in 1995 at the University of Michigan by Ronni Sanlo, Ed.D., a Jewish lesbian who was barred from attending the commencement ceremony of her children due to her sexual orientation, the Lavender Graduation Ceremony was implemented at over 45 colleges and universities around the country by 2001, with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) joining in 2019.

Lavender Commencement is a celebration that recognizes LGBTQIAP+ students of all races and ethnicities and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to WPI as students who survived the college experience. Lavender is important to LGBTQ+ history. It is a combination of the pink triangle that gay men were forced to wear in concentration camps and the black triangle designating lesbians as political prisoners in Nazi Germany. The LGBTQ+ civil rights movement took these symbols of hatred and combined them to make symbols and color of pride and community.

As part of the ceremony, graduates were given either a rainbow stole, rainbow honor cord, or lavender honor cord, as well as a WPI rainbow pin, to signify their time and accomplishments at WPI. The Student of Distinction Awards, honoring students who have made a significant impact to the WPI community through programming, leadership, and/or advocacy for the LGBTQIAP+ campus community, were also awarded during the ceremony. The Undergraduate Student of Distinction was awarded to Mikaela Enax 鈥?4 and the Graduate Student of Distinction was awarded to Emmaline Raven '24.

The ceremony featured words of wisdom and speeches by President Grace Wang, Zoe Reidinger, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Quinn Sandberg 鈥?5, Vice President of the Alliance, affiliate chapter of oSTEM, Lauren Feldman, Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality, Janelle Drake 鈥?1, WPI Alum, and Arnold Lane, Jr., Director of Multicultural Education and Community Engagement.

鈥淭oday, we come together as an act of radical queer liberation, to recognize the successes and the legacy of our graduating LGBTQIAP+ students. To celebrate the journeys that each of these students has had so far and where they will go next.鈥?lt;/p>
-Lauren Feldman (she/they), Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality

Thank you to all who were able to attend the Lavender Commencement ceremony and celebrate our Class of 2024 graduates! To the class of 2024, congratulations!

President Grace Wang speaking at Lavender Commencement 2024.

Quinn Sandberg '25, Vice President of the Alliance, speaking at Lavender Commencement 2024.

Professor Zoe Reidinger speaking at Lavender Commencement 2024.

Arnold Lane speaking at Lavender Commencement 2024.

Janelle Drake '11 speaking at Lavender Commencement 2024.

Lavender Commencement 2024

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?amp;nbsp;

WPI Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month 2024

alesane — Wed, 01 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month by honoring and highlighting the diverse culture, heritage, and contributions of Jewish Americans throughout history. Jewish American Heritage Month is nationally recognized and serves as an opportunity to honor and celebrate the traditions, food, art, languages, people, culture, and stories of these communities. We encourage our community to study, observe, and celebrate the Jewish American community on campus, within the Worcester community, and beyond.

Jewish American Heritage Month originated in 1980 when Congress passed a resolution, which authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating April 21-28, 1980, as Jewish Heritage Week. Following a series of annual presidential proclamations designating a week in April or May of each year as Jewish Heritage Week, President George W. Bush proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month on April 20, 2006. The proclamation began with efforts by the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders that resulted in resolutions introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. These resolutions urged the president to proclaim a month that would recognize the rich history of Jews in America and the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American society. The resolutions passed unanimously, first in the House of Representatives in December 2005 and in the Senate in February 2006.

Stem Scholar Highlights:

Michael Kaplan (former NASA space engineer)

Ada Yonath (Biochemist)

Robert Aumann (Mathematician)

Read, Watch, Listen and Learn

Explore and visit the following Jewish Musuems and museums with Jewish content:

Skirball Musuem

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Immigration Museum NYC | Tenement Museum

The Jewish Museum

Jewish Museum of Maryland

Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Explore archives and library collections:

American Jewish Committee Oral History Collection | The New York Public Library

Center for Jewish History

Rauh Jewish Archives

Library Special Collections - Jewish Theological Seminary

Jewish Women's Archive

National Center for Jewish Film

Read books from Jewish authors and about Jewish culture.

Listen to the Unorthodox podcast

Each week we bring you News of the Jews, interesting guests鈥攐ne Jewish and one gentile鈥攁nd so much more.

Listen to the Vox Tablet podcast

Host Sara Ivry explores Jewish life & culture through lively conversations with writers, musicians, chefs, and theologians.

Explore resources online via the Gordon Library

Explore and read Jewish publications:

Tablet

Lilith

Tikkun

The Forward

Explore The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center鈥檚 Digital Library & Archives

Visiting options will be available in Summer 2024 in Boston, MA.

Act

Register to Vote -OR- Check Your Voter Registration

Everything you need to vote. Vote.org

Become a Poll Worker

Support WPI鈥檚 Hillel organization.

Support The Jewish Faculty, Staff, Administrators, and Allies employee resource group at WPI.

For more information, contact Michelle Ephraim or Bwann Gwann.

Connect with a Campus Chaplain.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student-facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥€€?lt;/span>

鈥€€?lt;/span>

鈥€€?lt;/span>

WPI Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024

alesane — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)鈥痗elebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024 by honoring and highlighting the diverse culture, heritage, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout history. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is鈥痭ationally recognized鈥痑nd serves as an opportunity to honor and celebrate鈥痶he traditions, food, art, languages, people, culture, and stories of these communities. We encourage our community to study, observe, and celebrate the AAPI community on campus, within the Worcester community, and beyond. 鈥?lt;/span>

May was chosen as Asian American and Pacific American Heritage Month to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869.

The Theme for the observance of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2024 is "Advancing Leaders Through Innovation."

Stem Scholar Highlights:

Harsha Rayapati (Aerospace Engineer)

Jane Mogina (Ethnobiologist)

Peter Tsai (Material Scientist)

Read, Watch, Listen and Learn

Explore the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center online

Read the Journal of Asian American Studies via Gordon C. Library

Explore AAPI curated resources

Read Curated Booklist for AAPI communities

Learn more about Polynesian Culture

Explore Best AAPI Films, Television, and Literature for Representation

Listen to Podcasts that Center AAPI Experiences

Explore PBS鈥檚 Collection: The Asian American and Pacific Islander Experience

Learn about Asian American milestones

Watch Pacific Heartbeat: Daughters of the Waves on PBS

Join young surfer Vahine Fierro on her journey to reach Olympic gold. In Tahitian culture, riding the waves is an ancestral activity from which women had been gradually eliminated, but now surfing is open to women, just in time for the Olympics. Coming from an entire family of surfers, Fierro and her two sisters hope to make a living with their passion and travel the world.

Act

Support and get involved with The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission

Support WPI鈥檚 Chinese Student and Scholar Association

Support WPI鈥檚 Filipino Student Association

Support WPI鈥檚鈥?lt;/strong>Hawaii鈥疌ultural Association鈥?lt;/strong>

Support WPI鈥檚鈥?lt;/strong>Japanese Club

Support WPI鈥檚鈥?lt;/strong>Korean Student Association

Support WPI鈥檚鈥?lt;/strong>Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers Chapter

Support WPI鈥檚 South Asian Student Association

Support WPI鈥檚 Vietnamese Student Association

Support the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers

Support the Society of Native Hawaiian Engineers

Support the National Asian Pacific American Women鈥檚 Forum

Register to Vote鈥?OR-鈥?lt;/strong>Check Your Voter Registration

Everything you need to vote.鈥?lt;/strong>Vote.org

Become a鈥?lt;/strong>Poll Worker

Learn more: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student-facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥€€?lt;/span>

鈥€€?lt;/strong>

鈥€€?lt;/span>

WPI Celebrates Armenian Heritage & History Month 2024

alesane — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000

(Left) Armenian ancient eternity symbol; (Center) A woman wearing traditional garb holding a pomegranate which is the Armenian mythological symbol for life and abundance. (Right) Armenian Genocide Memorial with the eternal flame, in remembrance of the 1.5 million massacred victims, Yerevan, Armenia.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)鈥痗elebrates Armenian Heritage & History Month 2024 by honoring and highlighting the diverse culture, heritage, and contributions of Armenian Americans throughout history.鈥疻e encourage our community to study, observe, and celebrate this vibrant community and its rich heritage. This nationally recognized month pays homage to the traditions, cuisine, artistic expressions, languages, people, culture, and stories of Armenian communities.鈥€?lt;/span>

Honoring Armenian Heritage & History Month

President Biden officially recognized the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2021. In various states, American Armenians designate April as Armenian Heritage and History month for fostering awareness and education, in alignment with Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day on April 24th.

This initiative aims to acknowledge and celebrate the profound cultural, historical, and societal contributions of Armenian Americans. It serves as a symbolic tribute to the enduring resilience, ingenuity, and impact of the Armenian people across generations in America, offering a platform to share and honor their deep-rooted, millennia-old cultural heritage. 鈥?lt;/span>

STEM Scholar Highlights:鈥?lt;/strong>

Hovhannes Adamian, Pioneer of Color Television

Nubar Afeyan, Inventor, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Co-Founder Moderna

Diran Apelian, Metallurgist and Sustainability Pioneer; Alcoa-Howmet Professor of Engineering and Founder of Metal Processing Institute WPI

Emik Avakian, Inventor of Disability Appliances

Arthur Bulbulian, Inventor of Oxygen Mask

Raymond Damadian, Scientist and Inventor of MRI

Richard Donchian, Pioneer of Technical Commodity Trading

Albert Kapikian, Virologist, Founded Rotavirus Vaccine

Anna Kazanjian Longobardo, Pioneer for Women in Engineering

Varaztad Kazanjian, Founding Father of Modern Plastic Surgery

Edward Keonjian, Father of Microelectronics

Alex Manoogian, Inventor of the Delta Faucet

Cyrus Melikian, Inventor- Coffee Vending Machine

Asatour Sarafian, Father of Automatic Transmission

Luther George Simjian, Inventor of the Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

Stephen Stepanian, Inventor of Elevator, Conveyor, Concrete Mixing Truck

Michel Ter-Pogossian, Medical Physicist

Armenian History and Recent Events:鈥?lt;/strong>

APRIL 24, 1915, REMEMBERING THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

On April 24th, 1915, hundreds of Armenian intellectuals were arrested by Turkish officials, thus marking the start of the Armenian Genocide. Following the arrests were systematic deportations and mass killings, which resulted in the deaths of over a million and a half Armenians and hundreds of thousands of Greeks and Assyrians. To this very day, the Turkish government continues to deny the atrocities that they are responsible for, while also continuing to contribute to the ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Artsakh. Despite happening over a hundred years ago, the Armenian Genocide has had long-lasting and profound effects on Armenians, who have dispersed globally, including the United States, because of the first genocide of the 20th century.

SEPTEMBER 2023 ETHNIC CLEANSING OF ARTSAKH ARMENIANS

The Artsakh War of 2020 saw the resurgence of ethnic cleansing in the South Caucasus region, particularly in the contested territory of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). Azerbaijani forces, with support from Turkey, engaged in a campaign targeting Armenian civilians, with reports of widespread atrocities including killings, forced displacement, and destruction of cultural heritage sites. This deliberate attempt to erase Armenian footprint from the region intensified the humanitarian crisis and deepened historical wounds. The ethnic cleansing of indigenous Armenians during the Artsakh War underscores the urgent need for international intervention to protect the indigenous civilian population and uphold human rights in conflict zones.

On Campus Event April 24:

Join WPI鈥檚 Armenian Students Association in the viewing of The Promise on April 24 at 6PM in Fuller Labs (Lower). Enjoy authentic Armenian treats while you watch the movie!

Movie Synopsis: Brilliant medical student Michael (Oscar Isaac) meets beautiful dance instructor Ana (Charlotte Le Bon) in late 1914. Their shared Armenian heritage sparks an attraction that explodes into a romantic rivalry between Michael and Ana's boyfriend (Christian Bale), an American photojournalist who's dedicated to exposing the truth. As the Ottoman Empire crumbles into war-torn chaos, their conflicting passions must be deferred as they join forces to get themselves and their people to safety.

Read, Learn, Watch, Explore, and Visit:

Read Armenian Legacy in America- A 400-Year Heritage

Read 鈥淵ankees of the East鈥? The Racial History of 2oth Century America Through the Eyes of Worcester Armenians and Their Descendants

Read Who She Left Behind

Read A Shameful Act, by Taner Ak莽am

Learn Timeline of Armenian-Americans

Learn History of Armenian-Americans

Learn Armenian Genocide Museum

Learn WPI Armenia Project Center鈥?lt;/strong>

Learn Pomegranates - Another Symbolic Fruit of Armenia

Learn History of Eternity Symbol

Watch Commemorating the Armenian Genocide at the State House

Watch Yerevan, Armenia Travel Guide

Watch 10 Best Places to Visit in Armenia

Explore 16 Cool Facts about Armenia

Explore Ancient Armenia

Visit Armenian Heritage Park, Boston

Visit Armenian Museum of America, Watertown

Visit Armenian Church of Our Savior, Worcester

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student鈥痜acing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?lt;/span>鈥?lt;/span>

鈥?lt;/span>

鈥淣otes鈥?from the Campus Chaplains: D-Term Welcomes Sacred Months

kcummings — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000

D-Term Welcomes Sacred Months

Here are some reflections for these sacred months from the Campus Chaplains:

鈥淎s we immersed ourselves in the sacred month of Ramadan, we are reminded of its intentional disruption to the rhythm of our daily lives. Our sleep patterns shift, our eating schedules alter, and the times we convene or share meals change dramatically from the onset of the month. This disruption serves a purpose. Ramadan calls upon us to detach, even momentarily, from our routine, prompting deep reflection on our life's priorities. Its significance stems from being the month of the Quran's revelation, a celestial moment when divine guidance pierced the heavens to illuminate humanity's path. In a world often veiled in confusion, this revelation offers unparalleled clarity.

Within its verses, we find reaffirmation of our purpose: to serve God, worshiping none but the Creator, and standing as champions of justice (Al-Nisa 4:135). As we break our fast each day, we are reminded of two crucial principles: to dedicate all our actions solely for the sake of God and to stand in solidarity with those less fortunate, unable to break their fast with the ease many of us enjoy.

As the WPI community advances in its mission to shape lives and harness knowledge to address global challenges, we may find it necessary to disrupt our routines, allowing space to reassess how we pursue this noble mission and discover fulfilment in our purpose along the journey.鈥?lt;/span>

- Imam Dr. Muhammad Xhemali

鈥淲ith the new moon, we enter the month of Nisan and prepare our homes and our souls for Passover. Our Passover seders are sensory-based communal ritual experiences in which we retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt. We gather with our dear ones to commemorate this beloved ancient holiday. As we begin, we feel a palpable connection with Jews all over the world who are simultaneously observing the seder ritual, as well as with eighty generations of our ancestors whose seder customs would still be familiar to us today. This year鈥檚 Passover seder, against the backdrop of the Hamas War, will doubtless be more complicated. Our joy will be muted as we reflect on the barbaric terror attacks of October 7th, the hostages still being held for what will be six and a half months, the massive loss of life in Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis there.

Our Sages, in the Haggadah, our traditional seder text, instruct us to deeply participate in the seder: 鈥淚n every generation, each person is obligated to see oneself as one who personally went out from Egypt.鈥?How can we not feel the complicated emotions of this difficult moment? Anticipating this complexity, several groups have written Haggadah supplements to help us express, within the seder ritual, the difficulty of this time. Here are two examples available for free download:

Seder Interrupted: A Post-October 7 Haggadah Supplement | Academy for Jewish Religion (ajr.edu)

This Broken Matzah: Pesach 2024 - Bayit: Building Jewish (yourbayit.org)

Others have suggested leaving an empty seat at the table in honour of the hostages. Perhaps psalms of peace and healing (Psalms 121, 122, 147) will be sung along with the typical Psalms 113-118 sung in the Hallel section of the seder. One well-known traditional ritual involves diminishing the amount of wine in one鈥檚 glass. First, we recall how G-d took us out from Egypt with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, with awesome power, signs and wonders. But before recounting the Biblical narrative of the ten plagues G-d brought upon the Egyptians, the Haggadah cites a midrash, an interpretative passage in the Talmud, that, while watching the Egyptians succumb to the ten plagues, the angels broke into songs of jubilation. G-d rebuked them, saying 鈥淢y creatures are perishing, and you sing praises?鈥?

We reflect on the suffering of the Egyptians, and accordingly, in our ritual, as we recite each plague, we spill a drop of wine from our cups. The full cup of wine (or juice) which symbolizes our joy is diminished by each plague that befell the Egyptians. Our happiness and relief at being rescued from slavery will always be tarnished by the pain visited upon the Egyptians. The midrash about G-d rebuking the angels recognizes that this liberation of our people came at the expense of another people. We see in this the zero-sum model 鈥?the world view that one can gain only by another鈥檚 loss. Let us dream together of the day to come when we will see one鈥檚 gain specifically causing and specifically being caused by the other鈥檚 gain.

I invite you to look into the wine (or juice) that remains in your cup, dimly peer into its depth, and imagine this future. 鈥?lt;/span>

- Rabbi Ahuvah Loewenthal

*Stay tuned for more Notes from our Campus Chaplains!

If you have any questions or queries or if you just want to connect with us, drop a email to Kalvin Cummings (Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life) at kcummings@wpi.edu or diversity@wpi.edu. Or just drop by our office!

University-Wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Poster Presentations

tlaing — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Dear WPI Community,

As we conclude the FY 24 academic year, we are pleased to recognize the significant contributions of the following 20 departments, units, schools, and/or divisions to our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives:

鈥?School of Arts & Sciences

鈥?Undergraduate Studies

鈥?Office Vice Provost for Research

鈥?Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

鈥?Graduate Studies

鈥?Facilities and Campus Planning

鈥?Information Technology

鈥?The Global School

鈥?Center for Project-Based Learning

鈥?George C. Gordon Library

鈥?Morgan Teaching and Learning Center

鈥?Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education

鈥?LSAMP/Biomedical Engineering

鈥?Office of General Council

鈥?The Provost鈥檚 Office

鈥?Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center

鈥?Marketing Communications

鈥?School of Engineering

鈥?University Advancement

鈥?Division of Talent and Inclusion

The collective work were organized around one of three main themes, each leading to impactful projects:

Learning and Professional Development: Our community dedicated itself to enhancing knowledge, skills, and practices related to DEIB principles among faculty, staff, and students. Initiatives included workshops, training sessions, and research opportunities aimed at promoting understanding and implementation of DEIB principles. For instance, the Morgan Teaching and Learning Center led workshops on inclusive teaching methods, the Division of Talent and Inclusion spearheaded recruitment and retention strategies, and the Office of the Vice Provost for Research supported research outcomes through DEIB seed grants.

Creating Inclusive Campus Experiences: Projects focused on cultivating a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the campus community. Efforts included improving accessibility, enhancing support services, and fostering a sense of belonging among students, faculty, and staff. For example, the School of Arts & Sciences conducted workshops to enhance syllabi and pedagogical inclusivity, Undergraduate Studies piloted a mini-summer bridge program to support student transition, and Information Technology launched a name pronunciation feature in Workday.

Innovation Practices and Fundraising: This theme concentrated on innovative approaches and fundraising efforts aimed at advancing DEIB within academic and professional contexts. Initiatives ranged from DEIB-focused research to scholarship opportunities for underrepresented groups and innovative project-based learning experiences. For instance, the Center for Project-Based Learning increased diversity on its advisory board, the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs provided scholarship opportunities for underrepresented students, and University Advancement engaged underrepresented WPI alumni.

These projects demonstrate our commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the WPI community. We take great pride in this work and eagerly anticipate how our colleagues will continue to build upon these efforts in the future.

For the FY 25 academic school year, DEIB goals will be integrated into all departments, units, schools, and divisions鈥?goals rather than being separate. For details on all the DEIB projects during the FY 24 year, please reach out to Tony Laing, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging within the Division of Talent and Inclusion at tlaing@wpi.edu.

WPI Celebrates Arab American Heritage Month 2024

alesane — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Arab American Heritage Month 2024

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)鈥痗elebrates Arab American Heritage Month 2024 by honoring and highlighting the diverse culture, heritage, and contributions of Arab Americans throughout history.鈥疻e encourage our community to study, observe, and celebrate this community and its rich heritage. This nationally recognized month pays homage to the traditions, cuisine, artistic expressions, languages, people, culture, and stories of Arab American communities.

Origin of Arab American Heritage Month

Arab American Heritage Month was initiated by the nonprofit media and education organization, the Arab America Foundation, and its sister organization, Arab American, in 2017. Initially, support was provided by only a few states, however, more states began to embrace the celebratory month over time. Then in 2019, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell and Rep. Rashida Tlaib proposed a resolution to Congress, proclaiming that April shall become National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM).

鈥淚t is my hope as a strong and proud Arab American in Congress that our nation can uplift our contributions in the United States by supporting Arab American Heritage Month,鈥?鈥?Rep. Rashida Tlaib

Then in April 2021, President Joe Biden recognized NAAHP along with the U.S. Department of State, congress members, and 37 governors who issued proclamations supporting the month. Permanent legislation was passed in Illinois, Oregon, and Virginia designating April as National Arab American History Month by 2022. At the same time, similar legislation was pending in Michigan, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, and Rhode Island.

STEM Scholar Highlights:鈥€?lt;/strong>

Dr, Joanne Chory鈥?Biologist)

Dr. Omar M. Yaghi鈥?Chemist)

Dr. Shadia Habbal鈥?Astronomer and Physicist)鈥?lt;/span>

鈥?lt;/span>

Read, Watch, Listen and Learn鈥?lt;/strong>

Explore鈥疓ordon Library's Arab American Heritage Month LibGuide

Explore the鈥?lt;/strong>Arab American National Museum

Explore the鈥?lt;/strong>Center for Arabic Culture鈥?Somerville, MA)

Explore the鈥?lt;/strong>2023 Arab American Heritage Month Educators Tool Kit

Explore鈥?lt;/strong>TeachMideast鈥檚 Arab American Heritage Month Resource Guide

Read鈥?lt;/strong>A Proclamation on Arab American Heritage Month,鈥?023鈥痮nline

Read鈥?lt;/strong>Arab Music: A Survey of Its History and Its Modern Practice

Read more about鈥?lt;/strong>How Arab Women Are Making Waves In Tech

Read鈥?lt;/strong>Arab American Faces and Voices: The Origins of an Immigrant Identity

Learn about the鈥?lt;/strong>ethnic and religious diversity of Arab Americans.

Watch鈥?lt;/strong>On Her Shoulders鈥?lt;strong>online via鈥?lt;/strong>Gordon Library

Watch鈥?lt;/strong>The Fight鈥痮nline via鈥?lt;/strong>Gordon Library

Listen to the鈥?lt;/strong>Arab American Caf茅鈥痯odcast

Listen to the鈥?lt;/strong>Arab Talk鈥痯odcast

Listen to the鈥?lt;/strong>Queer Arabs鈥痯odcast.

Read How to Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month | POPSUGAR News

鈥?lt;/span>

Take Action

Share your story: "National Arab American Demographics," Arab American Institute

Support the鈥?lt;/strong>Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee

Support the鈥?lt;/strong>Arab America Foundation

Support the鈥?lt;/strong>Arab American Institute

Prioritize and Practice鈥?lt;/strong>Self-Care

Support鈥?lt;/strong>AmidEast鈥攁 nonprofit engaged in promoting understanding between Americans and the people of the Middle East and North Africa.

Register to Vote鈥?OR-鈥?lt;/strong>Check Your Voter Registration

Everything you need to vote.鈥?lt;/strong>Vote.org

Become a鈥?lt;/strong>Poll Worker

鈥€?lt;/span>

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student鈥痜acing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?lt;/span>

CALLING FOR NOMINATIONS: Board of Trustees' Award for Outstanding Staff Member 2024

cbenoit — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Do you know of a WPI staff member who performs beyond the expected or who models behaviors that have a positive impact in our community? If so, we invite you to nominate this wonderful community member for the 2024 Board of Trustees Outstanding Staff Awards.

The Board of Trustees' Outstanding Staff Award recognizes exceptional work and dedication by a member of the staff in support of WPI鈥檚 mission and core values. A committee comprised of previous award recipients and a representative from Talent & Inclusion will review each of the nominations and submit recommendations to the Board.

Deadline for nominations: 5:00 p.m., Wednesday April 17th, 2024.

Please click here to submit your nomination.

Nominees will be invited to a Board of Trustees鈥?celebration in May, where the winners will be announced.

Committee Members:

Lisa Wall: Academic Affairs, Engineering (Previous Recipient)

Nicole Caligiuri: Academic Affairs, Research (Previous Recipient)

Matthew Barry: Student Development and Counseling (Previous Recipient)

Margaret Brodmerkle: Academic Affairs, Arts and Sciences (Previous Recipient)

Kat Keyes: Talent & Inclusion

LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Trainings in D-Term

lfeldman — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) is offering an LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy 101 Training and an LGBTQIAP+ 201 Training intended for students, faculty, and staff. The 101 training will cover topics such as gender identity, using pronouns, and the state of LGBTQIAP+ community in the world and at WPI. The 201 Training will cover topics such as LGBTQIAP+ history, queer identity in other cultures, and queer theory. Finally, attendees of both trainings will learn about how to turn their knowledge into action and will create an advocacy plan. They will also leave with several other resources to continue learning more.

The 101 Training will be offered on Thursday, April 4 at 10:30 AM ET 鈥?12:00PM ET in the Rubin Campus Center Taylor Room. There will be two opportunities to participate in the 201 Training: Monday, April 8 at 1:00PM ET 鈥?2:30 PM ET in the Rubin Campus Center Hagglund Room and on Wednesday, April 17 at 3:00PM ET 鈥?4:30PM ET in Unity Hall 405. It is highly encouraged that attendees either attend the 101 training first or have a solid foundation of understanding of these topics before attending the 201 Training. Registration is recommended. Please reach out to Lauren Feldman (she/they) at lfeldman@wpi.edu with questions or accommodations requests!