Diversity at the University

Staff Diversity in the News - Archive

True Networking Thursdays
On July 19, 2012, the University of Rochester, Office of Human Resources-Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion sponsored the reception for members of True Networking Thursdays (TNT) and members of the University at Stay Bridge Suite Hotel. More than 125 individuals were in attendance. True Networking Thursdays is an African American professional networking group established in 1998. The members of TNT consist of community leaders, business owners and other professionals. The purpose is to provide the African-American Community with opportunities for personal and professional awareness, development and networking.

The African American Network (AAN) hosts its 3^rd Annual Family Gathering

 On July 12, 2012, the African American Network (AAN) hosted its 3^rd Annual Family Gathering at Genesee Valley Park.  The event wa s free for all members of the University of Rochester Community, their immediate family members as well as other local community affinity groups.  There were more than 130 individuals in attendance; including members of the Monroe Community College Affinity group. In addition to the incredible food; there were raffles, games and face painting (for the children), with DJ Andre Morrison providing music that spanned several decades of soul, R&B, hip-hop and pop. This year, the African American Network added another venue for members of the University Community who worked evening and night shifts. On July 20, 2012 a free breakfast was held in the Le Chase Assembly Conference Room for staff to enjoy and participate in camaraderie and networking.

The University of Rochester supports the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism.
Stand Against Racism is scheduled for Friday, April 29, 2011 across the country. Stand Against Racism is a movement of the YWCA that aims to eliminate racism by raising awareness through its annual event. Stand Against Racism brings people together from all walks of life to raise awareness that racism still exists.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Hope
Imagine a home without basic living essentials. Imagine children without proper nourishment, not knowing when the next meal will come or even if there will be a next meal. Imagine walking to school in one of Rochester’s winters without proper seasonal clothing. This is a reality for many families in the Greater Rochester Community, our community.

Book Drive and Back to School Supplies Drive were a Huge Success!
The African-American Network (AAN) at the University of Rochester, would like to express its sincere thanks for the tremendous generosity of the faculty, staff, volunteers, and students of the University of Rochester during its two recent community events: the Read to Grow Book Drive and the Back to School Supplies and Book Bag Drive. 

In July, the African-American Network (AAN) at the University of Rochester held its first summer book drive with the goal of increasing children’s literacy by providing new and gently used books to children in need; addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books. The University of Rochester community donated over 400 books. Staff members of the African-American Network’s Read to Grow Program, distributed the books to children and families who visit the Flint Street, South Avenue, Southwest Community Center, Arnett and Phyllis Wheatley Community Libraries. We especially want to recognize and thank Friends of Strong for donating 125 books before the actual on-site book drive began.

The Back to School Supplies and Book Drive supported local children in grades K through 12 by providing a jump start to a successful new school year. The goal was to support 150 children with back to school supplies. More than 200 children and their families benefited from this event.  The school supplies were distributed on Saturday August 28th from at Elim Christian Fellowship, located at 765 East Main Street. The families enjoyed free hot dogs, beverages, arts and crafts, and face painting. (September 1, 2010)

Donate to the African-American Network "Back to School Book Drive" to Benefit the Rochester City School District(August 13, 2010)

Donate to the African-American Network “Read to Grow” Book Drive to Benefit Local Area Youths

2010 Rochester Puerto Rican Parade The Latino Professional Alliance of University of Rochester marched from Liberty Pole Way to the site of the festival for the Rochester Puerto Rican Parade 2010 at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 31. The Latino Professional Alliance was joined by students of the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) and the University's own mascot Rocky!

African American Network 1st Annual Family Picnic (July 15, 2010)

American Heart Association’s Go for Red Woman of Distinction Award Shaquana Divers, University of Rochester Office of Human Resources, Senior Health Project Coordinator, Well-U was one of six finalist for the American Heart Association’s Go For Red Woman of Distinction Award. 

The University of Rochester is part of the citywide Pillars of Hope Program; a collaboration with the City of Rochester’s Bureau of Youth Services that recruits African-American professionals from the Rochester Community to serve as role models for students. Once a month during the academic year, these “Pillars of Hope” meet with students at Rochester’s School No. 29 to offer educational support and serve as an example of success for urban students. This year’s Pillars include Janice Holland, Deborah McDell-Hernandez, Michelle Thompson-Taylor, Catrina Rockwell, Robyn Carter-McFadden, Catherine Thomas, and Michele Allen.

March 4, 2010—South Asian Professional Networking Association (SAPNA) Reception with Abraham Verghese

5:30 pm SAPNA Reception at the Welles-Brown room at Rush Rhees Library
7:30 pm Neilly Series Lecture by Abraham Verghese at the Hawkins-Carlson room, Rush Rhees Library
*Light refreshments were served in the form of Indian hors d'œuvre.

Sponsored by the Office of Human Resources - Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion. The intent of the reception was to gauge the level of interest in creating a new affinity group for the South Asian community at the University.

Career Development and Counseling
The Office of Human Resources offers general career counseling to employees on a one-on-one  basis.  Several Human Resources staff members have been trained to offer this enhanced value-added service.  In addition, we have placed a Career Guideon our website (www.rochester.edu/diversity) as a self-service career reference. After consulting the career guide, if you are interested in receiving career counseling, you may contact the River Campus office, 273-4320 or the Medical Center office, 275-2513.

Annual Black History Month recognition and celebratory event hosted by African-American Network (AAN). Over 300 University staff, faculty and students attended the annual Black History Month recognition and celebratory event hosted by African-American Network (AAN). The event held February 10, 2010 in the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Flaum Atrium was sponsored by Office of Human Resources, Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion (MCAI). Read more...

Congratulations to all of the members of the Latino Professional Alliance! The Latino Professional Alliance was one of three recipients of the First Annual Presidential Diversity Awards. The Affinity group was nominated for this award by their own Jeanette Colby and received numerous letters of support. However, it really couldn’t have been done without the support and continual involvement of all the members. For that we thank you! Congratulations to all of you for being among the first recipients of this prestigious award. Click here to read the press release... (Posted January 25, 2010)

True Networking Thursdays (TNT) monthly reception/meeting held at the UR on January 21, 2010 The University of Rochester, Office of Faculty Development & Diversity and the Office of Human Resources-Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion sponsored the True Networking Thursdays (TNT) monthly reception/meeting on January 21, 2010 in the School of Medicine and Dentistry’s Flaum Atrium.  More than 140 members of TNT, University staff and faculty and the greater Rochester community attended this event whose theme was, “Yes, We Can” True Networking Thursdays (TNT) is an African American professional networking group established in 1998. The members of TNT consist of community leaders, business owners and other professionals. The purpose is to provide the African-American community with opportunities for personal and professional growth, development and interacting.  TNT ultimately offers mutual benefits through networking that will strengthen our community.  Their mission is to introduce, inform, interact and inspire. Click here to read more.

Annual Inter-Affinity Group’s Winter Luncheon/ Meeting Held
January 14, 2010 University of Rochester staff and faculty from the African-American Network, Latino Professional Alliance and Pride Alliance affinity groups and other colleagues participated in the Third Annual Inter-Affinity Group’s Winter Luncheon / Meeting held on Thursday, January 14, 2010 in the School of Medicine and Dentistry.  This annual event celebrates the leadership, activities and commitment of the Groups in furthering the goals of creating an inclusive workplace at the University of Rochester.  Board members from each of the Groups shared past accomplishments and future goals and plans. Click here to read more.

2010 Diversity Book Reading Group
The Diversity Book Reading Group started in January 2008. The goal of the Group is to build community amongst staff, faculty while increasing diversity awareness and competency in an open, non-threatening forum. We will read a new book every 6 weeks and meet for a facilitated discussion of the book.  Click here for the reading list and more information.(Posted January 8, 2010)

Nominations Sought for Presidential Diversity Awards
The nomination deadline is Nov. 16 for the first Presidential Diversity Awards, which highlight exemplary contributions to the University's diversity and inclusion efforts. The awards will recognize faculty, staff, students, units, departments, or teams who have demonstrated leadership in recruitment and retention efforts, teaching, research, multicultural programming, cultural competency, community outreach activities, or other initiatives that promote diversity or inclusion. Nomination materials are available online.

African American Network Fall Festival Social Networking Event The African American Network (AAN) held its Fall Festival Social Networking meeting on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at the Mood Makers Bookstore in Village Gate Square. The event was open to faculty, staff, and students.  The primary activity was the formal introduction of the 2009- 2010 AAN Board Members.  From left to right they are:  Ean Swinton (Membership Chair), Michelle Perdue (Activities/Events Chair),   Cathy Thomas (Co-Chair) and Thomas Crews (Co-Chair).

LPA Annual Cultural Fair: September 29,2009

2009 Rochester Puerto Rican Parade

Latino Professional Alliance (LPA) at the University of Rochester walked in the Rochester Puerto Rican Parade on Saturday, July 25, 2009. Eighteen walkers representing the University of Rochester, including employees, friends, and family, walked in the Puerto Rican Parade in July 2009. The group’s participation was organized by the Latino Professional Alliance, an affinity group at the University. Volunteer employees represented various units and departments from across the University. “It was an honor to be a part of it and I can’t wait until next year,” said Natasha Garcia, Lab Clinical Support Tech, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office contributed t-shirts, lanyards, and drawstring bags that were handed to parade-goers along the route and the Office of Human Resources Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion supported the walk with a banner and supplies. The University's mascot Rocky also joined in the parade walk. (July 25, 2009)

Looking for Parade Walkers Join the Latino Professional Alliance (LPA) at the University of Rochester as we walk in the Rochester Puerto Rican Parade on Saturday, July 25 at noon. The procession will be preceded by a proclamation ceremony at 11:30 a.m., with Mayor Robert Duffy, who is getting into the spirit of day by wearing a men’s traditional Guayabera shirt. The parade will trek down Main Street; take a right on Plymouth Ave., and left on Morris Silver Way; and end at Frontier Field, the site of the Puerto Rican Festival. For more information about the parade please check out: www.rochesterprparade.com Please sign up by Friday, July 10 at noon. Contact Jeanette Colby at jeanette.colby@rochester.edu or (585)276-3521. (Posted June 18, 2009)

Pillars Program Students Enjoy Eventful Last Day The students who participated in the Pillars of Hope program received a life changing treat during their last meeting of the school year.  They visited the Memorial Art Gallery and received a gift of books for their classroom. (Posted June 8, 2009)

Managers Recognized for Supporting Diversity A luncheon was held Wednesday, April 15, to honor managers who supported employees that participated in the United Way’s African-American and Latino Leadership Development Programs. “As we continue to struggle in this economy, this kind of support to the staff is important to carry on,” says Stan Byrd, human resources manager, multicultural affairs and inclusion. (Posted May 12, 2009)

Why is it so Difficult to Talk About Race? Blog post by Vivian Lewis and Stan Byrd (Posted April 16, 2009)

Diversity Book Reading Group Marks Anniversary The Office of Human Resources-Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion has completed its one-year pilot of a diversity reading group. The Group’s goal is to provide opportunities to explore and discuss diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, life-style and other dimensions of diversity in order to increase our understanding and enhance our inclusive behaviors at work and in our personal lives. (Posted February 4, 2009)

Community Leadership Development Program The Office of Human Resources Multicultural Affairs & Inclusion cordially invites all staff to attend an informational session about Leadership Rochester and the United Way Developing Future Leaders Program. (April 16, 2008)

2008 Job Fair Hosted by: Action for a Better Community Inc., Monroe Community College, University of Rochester, Urban League of Rochester & Wegmans (March 26, 2008)

Seven UR Employees complete the United Way's Leadership Development Program (Posted November 12, 2007)

African American Network Sponsors Communication Workshop (Posted September 7, 2007)

Affinity Group Executive Champions Recognized (June 5, 2007)

"Closer Look: Creating a Diverse Staff" (Currents, May 22, 2006)

"Diversity, Professional Development Focus of Affinity Groups" (Currents, November 13, 2006)

Press Release: Affinity Groups Formed at the University of Rochester ...

Contacts: As Human Resources Manager for Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion, Stan Byrd consults with and supports the University administration on issues of diversity and inclusion. His work includes collaborating with Human Resources Development to increase their efforts to integrate issues of diversity and inclusion into training programs; working directly with units and departments; providing general coaching and support to staff; and supporting staff recruitment and retention efforts. For more information about Staff Diversity Please Contact Stan Byrd.

Maintained by the HR Office of Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion and the  Office for Faculty Development and Diversity.