Fairfield President Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., on Thursday, called on the University community to join him in efforts to increase diversity at the institution.

During the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Human Relations Celebration and the LaFarge Convocation, Father von Arx said, "We must come to an institutional resolve to increase diversity on this campus. Making the commitment to do so will require greater creativity on our parts, because the willingness to weigh the impact on diversity across all of our decision-making will make 'business as usual' obsolete."

The remarks were presented in the Kelley Theater at the University's Quick Center for the Arts before a large crowd of students, faculty and staff. The convocation was the highlight of a three-day celebration that began on Wednesday with an Interfaith Service and Multicultural Festival for the university community. Other events included a "Taste of the World" food and cultural festival, a Multi-cultural Marketplace, and the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Vision Awards Dinner.

Father von Arx cited the work of a new campus committee on diversity and said, "We must look at hard economic questions, and be able to ask ourselves what institutional sacrifices - yes sacrifices - we need to make to bring greater economic and racial diversity to our campus."

"It is my hope that as a community, we at Fairfield University will renew efforts to empower others through the benefits of Jesuit education - with a vigor that matches Dr. King's valor, and a sense of purpose worthy of the principles for which he gave his life."

Posted On: 01-27-2005 10:01 AM

Volume: $vol Number: $num