Race relations and social justice have been in the spotlight
in recent years, calling on individuals to devote energy toward creating a more
equitable future for everyone.
Allies have been encouraged to consider their privilege and
educate themselves on the deep-rooted issues that contribute to racism in the
United States. This self-reflection and realization, however, has left some
overwhelmed or uncertain about how they can personally effect change.
Working together and learning from one another may lend to a
richer understanding of these issues, and Alpha Chi National College Honor
Society will host a forum to help its members and greater community start the
process.
On Saturday, Feb. 6, in line with the start of Black History
Month, they hope to facilitate an engaging conversation about “Personal
Perspectives on Race, Privilege, and Responsibility.”
“The seminar continues the current dialogue of fighting for
social justice,” said Ande Marini, a bioengineering PhD student at the
University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering. “Personally, I love
learning about other people’s cultures and learning how people’s experiences
have shaped their perspectives.
“Learning about the hardships others have faced and how we
can help those individuals is crucial to growing as a society. We need to have
this dialogue to better understand each other’s perspectives, and having
difficult conversations provides new avenues for growth and understanding.”
When Alpha Chi called for nominations for the panel, Marini decided
to nominate Steven Abramowitch, associate professor of bioengineering at Pitt.
Abramowitch has contributed diversity and inclusion in the
Swanson School through programs such as PITT STRIVE,
the Global
Engineering Preparedness Scholarship (GEPS), Engineering Design
for Social Change: South Africa, and CampBioE.
"I was honored to be nominated by Ande and to be
selected for this panel,” Abramowitch said. “Our lives have been especially
chaotic over the last year; thus, it is wonderful that Alpha Chi is using this
time to help us do some reflection and encourage us to think beyond ourselves
again."
He will participate as one of three panelists in the
seminar:
Steven Abramowitch, associate professor of bioengineering at the
University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, will focus on positive
actions students can take to address diversity issues.
Dwonna Goldstone, associate history professor and director of the
African American Studies program at Texas State University in San Marcos,
Texas, will focus on her experience in helping people with difficult
conversations about race.
Justine Pas, associate professor of English and associate dean in
the School of Humanities at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, will
share personal experiences and discuss the concept of white privilege.
The seminar will be hosted and moderated by Lara Noah,
executive director of Alpha Chi.
“This panel is the second event in the first series of its
kind as an educational initiative from Alpha Chi's national headquarters,” she
said. “Other than programming during our annual national convention,
educational events like these are typically planned and conducted at the local
chapter level. I’m very much looking forward to our conversation on Saturday
and appreciate Dr. Abramowitch’s participation.”
“… and Justice for All” is the theme for the organization’s
2021 national conference, and this event was planned to help raise awareness of
these issues among the Alpha Chi community.
“Sharing these topics with the collegiate generation, both
undergraduate and graduate, is important and can open their eyes to new
perspectives,” Marini added. “By impacting this generation, we are laying a
foundation built upon understanding, love, and acceptance for our future
leaders.”
About Alpha Chi
Alpha Chi National College Honor Society was
founded in 1922 to recognize and promote academic excellence among college and
university students of all disciplines, to encourage a spirit of service and
leadership, and to nurture the elements of character that make scholarship
effective for good. Alpha Chi is a member in good standing with the Association
of College Honor Societies. You can learn more about Alpha Chi at
AlphaChiHonor.org.
2/4/2021
Contact: Leah Russell