Purdue News

August 4, 1998 Purdue Web site provides resources on cultural diversity WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue University's Diversity Resource Office has organized a Web site with information on cultural diversity resources on campus and worldwide. The Web site on multiethnic and multicultural affairs is known as Web MECA. It is the product of an Excellence 21 initiative approved in December. Excellence 21 is aimed at continually improving the quality of services on campus. The site was the idea of Denise Driscoll, assistant professor of psychological sciences who has a joint appointment in the Diversity Resource Office. "I envisioned using the Internet to educate people about multicultural and ethnic affairs from all over the university and across the globe," Driscoll said. "Web MECA is a centralized resource for persons on campus and outside the university community." Alysa Rollock, interim vice president for human relations, calls the site a great tool. "Web MECA is an excellent example of how we can use the Internet to tell the good news of Purdue," she said. "People may not know that Purdue offers many ways to learn about other cultures and ethnic groups." Web MECA is divided into three main areas, featuring resources from on campus, Greater Lafayette, and national and international Web sites. Campus efforts include information on events, workshops, academic programs and student groups. Among other resources available through the site are government reports on diversity, information on corporate diversity efforts, cultural education programs, current events and interesting sites to visit across the United States. Driscoll was assisted on the project by Diversity Resource Office staff members Chun Hui Sophie Ho, Kathern Reynolds, Miriam Delphin and Teion Wells. "Purdue is committed to the benefits of cultural and ethnic diversity," Rollock said. "We hope Web MECA serves as a vehicle for making those resources available to the Purdue community and others worldwide." CONTACTS: Driscoll, (765) 494-7307, or Rollock, (765) 494-5830 Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page