Diversity Has Value

I really believe that the future of our country depends on folding diverse peoples into a common set of goals. The theme of this newsletter, "Value-Added: Celebrating Diversity in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences," describes exactly how I feel about the importance of diversity.

The value of diversity is that it draws people together so they can share experiences and viewpoints. Our College goal is integration, and that goal applies equally to students, staff, faculty and administration. Different experiences should be valued on all sides.

Accepting diversity requires individual commitment. Our administration cannot force people to value those from a different culture or those with a viewpoint that varies from the "norm," but we do expect continued growth in awareness. I am hoping for changes, not utopia.

As a monthly, brief newsletter, "Value-Added," will keep everyone in our College constantly aware of the importance of diversity—of the need to pay attention to differing viewpoints simply because they add value to our existence. For those reasons, this newsletter will feature articles about people.

Again, I emphasize our goal: Diversity should be integrated into all parts of our College life."

Eugene G. Sander, Dean