Diversity Hallmarks Timeline

1966

The first of three Upward Bound projects, which generates skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond high school among low-income and potential first-generation college students, is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

1969

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), designed to improve the access and retention of low-income and first-generation college students, begins to admit students.

Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA) is formed.

Black Studies program is established.

Early 1970’s

Office of Veteran’s Affairs opens (although veterans have been receiving benefits and other services since the 1940’s).

AS Children’s Center, providing low-cost quality child care and development services to the children of students, opens.

1971

Associated Students’ Women’s Center opens.

1972

Black, MEChA, and Indian Houses (eventually became the Multicultural Center) are created.

Jane Dolan elected first female student body president.

1975

Ethnic & Women’s Studies program (now Multicultural & Gender Studies) is established.

Gay People’s Union (now Pride/Safe Zone) receives campus recognition.

1978

The first annual Latino Graduation Celebration is held

1979

Pan African Union (PAU) is formed.

Associated Students sponsors first International festival.

1981

Kappa Psi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., first predominantly African-American fraternity on campus, is founded.

Disabled Student Services (now Disability Support Services) opens.

1982

Associated Students sponsors first Multicultural Night.

1983

Beginning of the Program for Advancement of Computer Scientists and Engineers (PACE) which then became Minority Engineering Program, currently MESA.

1984

Latinos in Technical Careers (LTC) is established.

1986

Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc., first predominantly Latina sorority on campus, is founded.

Delta Sigma Theta, first predominantly African American sorority on campus, is founded.

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is established.

1987

Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity, Inc., first predominantly Latino fraternity on campus, is founded.

1990

Educational Talent Search, designed to assist area low-income and first-generation students in grades 6-12 to prepare for their future, is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Epsilon Sigma Rho Multicultural Fraternity, Inc. – Gamma Chapter, first multicultural fraternity on campus, is founded.

1991

Craig DeLuz elected first African-American student body president.

The first annual Black Commencement Celebration is held.

1994

Oscar DeLaTorre elected first Latino student body president.

Hmong Student Association is established on campus.

1998

The Business Resource Center (BRC), a learning community with the mission of recruiting and retaining a diverse student population with personal leadership skills and a strong sense of social responsibility, is established by the College of Business.

1999

Building Bridges, campus-wide committee of faculty and staff, forms to reject intolerance, promote mutual respect, and celebrate diversity.

2001

Student Support Services, which provides academic and social support to low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities, is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

2004

Provost creates Strategic Enrollment Committee.

Senate Task Force on Faculty/Staff Minority Recruitment and Retention.

2005

Equity Scorecard Committee (now Diversity Scorecard Committee) established.

Tray Robinson named Coordinator of Diversity Efforts.

University signs Memo of Understanding with the Mechoopda tribe regarding construction protocol for unanticipated discoveries.

2006

First African-American Excellence and Success Retreat

Multicultural Welcome Receptions are held

Sandra Flake is hired as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

2007

Cross Cultural Leadership Center (CCLC), formerly the Multicultural Center opens.

The first annual Native American Graduation Celebration is held.

2008

First Diversity Summit, sponsored by CCLC

The first annual Asian Graduation Celebration is held.

President Zingg’s annual report includes a section on Diversity.

2011

Adoption of the Diversity Action Plan

Appointment of the Chief Diversity Officer, Br. Tracy Butts.