University of Scranton Hosts Third Annual Diversity Fair

         Nearly 200 students, faculty, staff and community members gathered in the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center to hear Antonio Flores, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, share his thoughts on social paradoxes in today’s modern world. Dr. Flores offered the keynote lecture at the third annual Diversity Fair sponsored by the Office of Equity and Diversity on Nov. 4. 

         This year’s diversity fair was based around the central theme, “One face, many mirrors.” Rosetta Adera, director of the Office of Equity and Diversity, opened the lecture by urging everyone in the audience to embrace diversity saying, “Each one of us should look into another’s eyes and see ourselves … there is one creator and we are all mirrors in His eyes.”

         Dr. Flores began his speech, entitled “Fortitude & Promise: Diversity and the American Dream,” by speaking first about the recent mid-term elections.

         “The elections got us to think about issues of diversity. New faces emerged in this election – Latinos and females specifically,” said Dr. Flores.

         He explained that the best Hispanic traditions are not much different than American traditions. He discussed the role family, community service and faith play in Hispanic homes.

         “In Hispanic tradition, family means more than just brothers and sisters, it means extended family in the most extreme ways. They love and care for each other in the same way a mother cares for her child,” said Dr. Flores.

         He described community service as the “quintessential Hispanic-American value” because it sparks a need for social and political change. He also said that faith and hope  play an integral role in Hispanic communities.

         Dr. Flores closed his lecture by speaking of the vast improvements Hispanic-Americans have made in the United States in the past years. Hispanic-Americans now account for 50 million people of the nation’s total population. The United States is the second largest Spanish-speaking country, behind only Mexico, and 1 in 3 people entering the labor force are Hispanic. Dr. Flores emphasized how this demographic growth will continue as time progresses. 

         “If I had the opportunity to speak to America, I would say this – America you are us and we are you forever,” said Dr. Flores.

         Other activities throughout the day included other lectures and a film, as well as hands-on art workshops and information booths sponsored by campus and community organizations.

The University of Scranton’s third annual Diversity Fair featured hands-on Native American art workshops, Latin cuisine, Indigenous music performed by Tribal Waves, Weepa and Frank LittleBear, and lectures from experts on Latin culture. Among those attending the fair were, from left, junior Kathleen Shea of Denville, N.J.; Fulbright Teaching Assistant Ennio Navarta of Argentia; senior Caitlin Selitto of Morristown, N.J.; Fulbright Teaching Assistant Wen Guan from China; senior Edward Besse of Laurel, Md.; and exchange student Coral Martinez of Mexico.