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Diversity is receiving added attention in both education and business. The two fields converged in the Second Annual Diversity Conference in early April.
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Black Business Students Association
Executive Committee members |
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With sponsorship from the May Company, the
Black Business Students Association (BBSA) organized a daylong conference that included discussions on how diversity impacts the bottom
line and how to transition into a diverse workplace. The conference’s keynote address was presented
by Anne Carter, vice president of diversity at the
May Co.
The BBSA arranged for members of the business community to discuss various issues associated with ethnicity. In an icebreaker exercise, conference participants were challenged to think about their perceptions of ethnicity and how they have been exposed to people of varying backgrounds.
The program also included a question-and-answer session with the following panel members:
- Kim Brown, Hallmark
- Bobby Collins, Inroads St. Louis
- Trisha Flesner, Edward Jones
- Alpahino Hogue, MU Admissions Office
- Pablo Mendoza, MU Office of Multicultural Affairs
- Ken Middleton, Columbia College
- Erin Morris, Famous-Barr
- Brandon Perry, Anheuser-Busch
- Adrian Rice, Edward Jones
- Bruce Strickland, Columbia College
The conference attracted 125 participants, including students, faculty, staff and business people. “Corporate America understands the importance of the need to diversify. Thus the College of Business is committed to producing students who are academically capable and who embrace diversity,” said Clarence Wine, the college’s coordinator of student diversity programs.
Dean Bruce Walker noted, “This conference contributes to students’ and faculty members’ understanding of and appreciation for the importance of diversity both within the college and, more broadly, within the world of business. I appreciate the efforts of the Black Business Students Association and Clarence Wine in organizing this important annual activity.” |