A UW-Madison Diversity Update | Edition 15 | December 19, 2019
"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." - Margaret J. Wheatley
Dear colleagues,
Gratitude. Sometimes the daily grind of trying to make a difference in the world can result in losing sight of the small gains and tiny triumphs that comprise the bigger picture. The path to full diversity, equity and inclusion is unpaved and steep. It's the kind of terrain that can provide an unexpected sense of progress when we actually take the time to pause and assess the climb toward an ever-improving view.
Our campus community is aware of the need to embrace our own journeys toward equity and inclusion, as well as an increased commitment to making our diversity goals a reality.
A record number of participants, estimated at more than 1,300 over two days, attended the annual UW-Madison Diversity Forum this year. As a result of this growth and interest, we're putting out a call for proposals to present at Diversity Forum 2020. The keynote speaker will be Robin DiAngelo, Ph.D., bestselling author of "White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism.”
As we enter a new year, it is always a good time to reflect on the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his pioneering role in civil rights. Throughout February, we'll reflect on Black History Month and the legacy of diversity on our campus.
On March 5, we'll celebrate the 2019-20 cohort of UW-Madison Outstanding Women of Color. The public reception will be 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge of the Pyle Center. Please join us in saluting the honorees in one of the warmest, joyful events we host each year.
In the meantime, enjoy the holidays and celebrate your loved ones. And thank you for all you do to support the University.
Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Remembering UW's First African American Assistant Coach Lewis 'Les' Ritcherson
Les Ritcherson, an award-winning college football player and Texas high school coaching legend, was the first African American to join a University of Wisconsin coaching staff. The second black assistant football coach hired by a Big 10 school, Ritcherson worked as the receivers coach for the Badgers from 1966-1969.
Ritcherson traded his Camp Randall office for one on Bascom Hill in 1970. He became one of the first African-American academic administrators at UW when he accepted a job as an Assistant to the Chancellor for Affirmative Action. Until his retirement in the 1980s, Ritcherson was an important voice for equal opportunity and diversity throughout the University of Wisconsin system.
Read more.
Campus News and Announcements
Ada Deer's memoir on her lifetime of firsts
When we think of firsts, we often think of the first person who was successful – in the case of politics, the first to win. But to get to success, there has to be others who are the first to try.
Read more.
Posse scholar among Rhodes finalists
Kevin Crosby, a senior from Brandywine, Maryland, was among three UW-Madison finalists who excel in science, research and service to the campus and community.
It was not their intention to take an extra semester beyond the four-year finish target, most mid-year graduates say. However, moving to life's next stage with a degree in hand is just as sweet.
