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The Fourth Annual Diversity Celebration:
A Retrospective The fourth annual Diversity Celebration is a memory now, but it's more than that: it's also history - an important piece of history in Appalachian State University's continuing journey in progressive education. Any viable institution is reshaped and refined through evolution, because the knowledge, talents, and capacities of its constituents are constantly being challenged, and they are limitless. Appalachian is now growing into a larger vision informed by an institutional commitment to diversity in all its aspects. The Diversity Celebration has become a living, breathing, energizing entity that underscores this commitment and reflects it in brilliant color. More than seventy performers, presenters and exhibitors filled Plemmons Student Union on April 5, 2005, representing at least sixteen cultures, twenty-six art forms, sixteen on-campus organizations, ten community organizations and individuals, twelve performing artists and groups from off the mountain, and encompassing presentations and information about more than thirty areas of cultural study and interest. And then there was the incredible array of ethnic foods that was a show in itself. The day truly provided a feast for all the senses, and Dr. Harry Williams, Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity, declared that at least 4,000 people came to partake of it - many of them from other institutions, towns, and cities, and quite a few from other states. All of this was planned by a committee of sixteen Appalachian staff, faculty, administrators and students, and it was managed on the day of the event by over one hundred volunteers, every single one of whom was absolutely necessary to its smooth running and ultimate success. And though there is little public credit given them, it's time to acknowledge the offices and units at Appalachian who funded this year's celebration: the Office of Diversity, the Office of Academic Affairs, the Equity Office, the Office of Multicultural Student Development, Freshman Seminar Program, the Office of International Programs, Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, the Hubbard Center, the Student Government Association, and Mast General Store.
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