Unity Star
Distribution: All Without OPS and F
Newsletter
Diversity Week 2015
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ost of you know her as Maria from Sesame Street, and for 44 years you grew up listening to her sing with Muppet® favorites Elmo, Big Bird, even Bert and Ernie. But, did you know that New York City native, Sonia Manzano, was named among the “25 Greatest Latino Role Models Ever” by Latina Magazine? She was one of the first Hispanic characters on national television, plus she has written several children’s books. On October 12, Ms. Manzano will be gracing the stage at the 2015 Diversity Breakfast as our Keynote Speaker. Throughout her career, Ms. Manzano has contributed to enriching diversity on television, on the stage, and in the educational realm. The author Image found on: www.soniamanzano.com of multiple books, she will release two new ones in fall 2015, her memoir, Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx (Scholastic), and Miracle of 133rd Street (Simon & Schuster). Her recognitions include 15 Emmy® Awards as part of the Sesame Street writing team, the 2013 Pura Belpré Award, the 2003 Congressional Hispanic Caucus Award, and the 2003 Hispanic Heritage Award for Education. We look forward to hearing her share some of her favorite talking points on Monday, October 12.
Thank You Students
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ongratulations go to Senior, Shazia Yusufali, who took first place in this year’s Diversity Week Student Poster Contest. Shazia’s interpretation of this year’s theme (image to the right), RESPECT UCF – Engaging, Exploring and Advancing an Inclusive Culture, won over our judges. Second place was won by Senior, Ebone Grayson, and third place by Senior, Krystal Moore. Great work! May your talents grow and glow as you leave a mark on the world. Thank you to all of the students who participated this year. Your work, and varied interpretations of this year’s theme, definitely challenged our judges’ decision-making process. You all are welcome to participate again next year, and challenge them again. Everyone is invited to visit the John C. Hitt Library during the month of October to see these students’ hard work on display on the second
floor wall. Accompanying the poster designs will be several hand-picked What Respect Means to Me stories submitted by several of our staff, faculty, and students.
Fall 2015
Be a Part of the Diversity Week Calendar
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n the last issue of the Unity Star Newsletter, we mentioned to please mark your calendars for the 2015 Diversity Week, October 12-16. Now, we invite you to be a part of Diversity Week! Visit our website and download a copy of the Program Information Form and submit a program, event, or special presentation to be included on the Diversity Week Calendar of Events. Thank you to all who submitted nominations for the Diversity and Inclusion Impact Awards. We look forward to sharing the names of the faculty/staff member, student, and community partner who have shown exemplary service and commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion at UCF. The winners will be announced during the Diversity Breakfast on October 12. As always, more information about Diversity Week can be found under the Events tab on our website.
To find us online, and on your social outlets! Visit www.diversity.ucf.edu @UCFODI