Division of
Diversity and Inclusion

The thematic thrust for this year is IDENTITY – our sense of self, created in part by our social, cultural or ethnic group membership. And while these markers of identity often have expected behaviors and anticipated attributes, each of us brings a different lived experience and perspective to the Purdue community and there is value in learning from, with and about each other. Such experiences increase our awareness, encourage exchange and stimulate our thinking. We work together to solve problems, create solutions and foster learning.

The challenge IDENTITY may be explained by one of the principles of Kwanzaa, the African American cultural celebration - Kujichagulia or Self-Determination: the ability to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves – rather than being defined, named, created and spoken for by another.

For at the end of the day, we all embody multiple identities: We are like all people. We are like some people. We are like no other person. And yet, regardless of identity or identity group, WE ARE PURDUE!

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion has planned an exciting year of lectures, interactive activities, films and just plain old good times – all designed to build on Purdue’s identity of inclusiveness, weaving a coat of many colors, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and social cultures. Please plan to join us.