Gala’s new location creates bridge-building opportunity

The Campus Diversity Gala proved so popular that organizers needed to find a new home. The one they found allows them to connect with the Mount Pleasant community in a new way.

This year’s gala will take place from 7 p.m. until midnight on Friday, April 7, at the PohlCat Golf Course, 6595 E. Airport Road, in Mount Pleasant.

“The CMU Diversity Gala has always served as a unifying event since its inception,” said Nikita Murry, director of diversity education for the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “It is a time to bring together everyone who works in some way to make CMU a place where everyone can find their unique place.

“This year is no different. We will celebrate CMU's contributions toward building strong bridges throughout the region as they pertain to scholarship, leadership and service.”

The event will mark those bridges built through dinner, dance and community networking.

“what's great about this event is that it allows CMU students and the general public to make personal rather than transactional connections,” Murry said. “The event opens the door to experiencing one another in a way that can be personally meaningful.”

The presentation of several awards recognizing success in CMU’s mission of fostering inclusion and contributions to social justice and meaningful change is a highlight of the event.

A highlight of those awards is the Dr. Diane E. Newby Award for Inclusive Excellence in Education, given to a faculty member whose work embraces CMU’s diversity principles.

The other awards include

• Stan Shingles Award for Distinction in Mentorship, which recognizes someone who created a nurturing learning environment
• Provost’s Award for Exemplary Research and Scholarship, which recognizes research focused on equity, belonging and social justice
• Innovation in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Award, which recognizes creative contributions to CMU’s inclusion initiatives through curriculum, programming or co-curricular activities
• Outstanding Social Justice Leadership in Community Service Award (individual and group), which recognizes a commitment to civic engagement and impact through social justice initiatives.

The gala is open to everyone and there is no cost to attend, but registration is required.