In a move towards a more inclusive community, the Lyon College Student Life Office has launched the Diversity Recognizes Everyone’s Actions in the Movement (DREAM) campaign, and it has already seen an enthusiastic response from the Lyon community. Spearheading the movement is Lai-Monté Hunter, Lyon’s associate dean of student life and director of diversity who has prepared several events and activities for DREAM.
“We hope that DREAM will ignite everyone to become actively engaged in creating a campus environment that values the contributions of all community members,” said Hunter.
One of DREAM’s events is a “Diversity Lunch and Learn” series, and it has already proven quite popular — originally only 24 seats were available per event, but due to high interest, the number of seats was increased to 60, and all spots have been filled.
According to the Student Life Office, the series is “an opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to actively engage in facilitated dialogue to increase multicultural competencies within an informal setting.” Each month, the series will host a session during lunch that discusses a diversity topic.
Director of Diversity Lai-Monté (right) discusses identity with Debra Dickey (left) and Dr. Jaeyun Sung (middle). / Image via Lyon College
The first “Lunch and Learn” was Wednesday, Sept. 12, and its topic was “Identity and Discrimination.” Hunter facilitated a discussion on how a person’s name shapes their identity and how social identity theory affects diversity.
Hunter shared that there will be more DREAM events as the school year continues. The Student Life Office will share information about upcoming events through its new electronic newsletter, Diversity Digest. The newsletter “will communicate our ongoing commitment to diversity, cultural appreciation, and collective responsibility to uphold the true idea of an inclusive community,” said Hunter.
Hunter recently joined Lyon College in his new role, and DREAM is one of his first projects. Hunter has been in higher education for over a decade, and he is most excited for how his role will help students and the Lyon community.
“I applied for this position because it allows me to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to create intentional opportunities that will foster a true appreciation for the contributions of all community members,” he said.
