4/30: UNM Diversity Celebration & Fundraising Dinner with Keynote Speaker Winona LaDuke

From UNM Today:
A Diversity Celebration and Fundraising Dinner to benefit diversity programs at the University of New Mexico is set for Friday, April 30, at the Student Union Building ballrooms. The silent auction begins at 5 PM, with entertainment provided by Hector Pimentel; dinner and awards are at 6 PM and live music at 9 PM. Native American writer, economist and environmentalist Winona LaDuke is the keynote speaker. Tickets are $50 per person or $500 for a table for 10. Organizers are working to get LaDuke to campus to visit with classes and groups during the day.

“The purpose of the event is to foster a sense of philanthropy among the communities we serve. They often haven’t been asked to give and even small amounts help,” said Jozi DeLeon, vice president, Equity and Inclusion, in a written statement.

The fundraising from the event will also benefit the three ethnic centers and diversity programs across campus. “Individuals can designate where they would like their contribution to go,” DeLeon said. She added that recent budgetary constraints have severely impacted programs.

The event is an opportunity to recognize diversity efforts on campus by presenting the inaugural Luminaria Awards. “They recognize efforts of those who ‘light the way’ for others in a significant way,” DeLeon said. She said that the award is a way to acknowledge those who work to diversify the campus through their efforts toward equity, inclusion and social justice.

The committee received many nominations, all worthy of recognition, DeLeon said, which made selecting the awardees particularly difficult. Those receiving the first Luminaria Awards are:

• Faculty: Alfred Mathewson, School of Law and acting director, Africana Studies; and Gabriel Sanchez, political science
• Staff: Custodial staff, biology department; and Christopher Ramirez, College Enrichment and Outreach Programs
• Community Organization: Native Health Initiatives

“Those who are being honored deserve the recognition and support from the university and broader community. This is just one step in our path toward a greater understanding and appreciation of true diversity,” DeLeon said.

For more information about the event visit Diversity Dinner.