Students, faculty and staff, and community members gathered on Old Main Lawn Thursday night to kick off Penn State’s We Are All In campaign, the university’s newest initiative to promote diversity and inclusion at Penn State.
The evening, emcee’d by English and women’s studies Professor Robin Gwynne Becker, began with Essence of Joy performing a medley of songs. Vice Provost for Educational Equity Marcus Whitehurst then spoke on the differences between diversity and inclusion. “Inclusion puts the concept of diversity into action by creating an environment of respect,” he said.
He also explained how the university will create an ‘All In’ award to present at the end of this year to one student, faculty, or staff member who embodies the values of the All In campaign in his or her daily life.
“I ask that all of you help us foster a safe and open environment at Penn State that is respectful of everyone,” Whitehurst said.
Asian Pacific American Caucus president Brooke Jin and Theatre Professor Susan Russell spoke next, each highlighting what the All In campaign means to them.
“I know there was diversity at this campus, but I did not feel included,” Jin said. She discussed her initial excitement to be at Penn State and the moment she realized it wasn’t entirely the home she expected it to be. Through All In and other initiatives, Jin hopes to make Penn State a campus where everyone feels welcome and included.
Russell began her remarks by saying “Being human can be hard, but being all in can make it simpler.” She spoke on the importance of consciously making decisions with everyone in the Penn State community in mind.
Finally, President Eric Barron introduced the multimedia presentation projected onto the face of Old Main. “It is important for all of us to note that this is more than a one-time multimedia event,” Barron said, explaining that All In is designed to transcend the kickoff event and last throughout this academic year and beyond.
An impressive multimedia presentation followed. Browse through the photos by Onward State’s Steffen Blanco below for images from the evening and the presentation.
The multimedia presentation will be projected onto the face of Old Main again on both Friday and Saturday night.
