Source: Myra Gordon, 785-532-6276, mygordon@k-state.edu
Website: http://www.k-state.edu/ddcd/SummitLinks.htm
News release prepared by: Rachel Skybetter, 785-532-1566, rskybett@k-state.edu

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

CELEBRATE, EMPOWER AND UPLIFT WOMEN AT EIGHTH ANNUAL DIVERSITY SUMMIT

MANHATTAN -- Women's History Month is drawing to a close, but the office of diversity and dual career development at Kansas State University is making sure to give it a proper send-off.

K-State's eighth annual Diversity Summit will be Friday, April 1, and will feature presentations to recognize the achievements and advancement of women at K-State and in the community. The event is open to the public. The title of this year's summit is "Celebrating the Phenomenal Women of K-State: Purple, Powerful and Passionate." Past themes have included American Indians, civil rights and racial and ethnic awareness.

"This is a not-to-be-missed event," said Myra Gordon, K-State associate provost for diversity and dual career development. "We've put so many things in place for women's empowerment and affirmation. And of course, men are welcomed and encouraged to attend as well."

The Diversity Summit will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. in the K-State Student Union Ballroom and includes a catered lunch.

Presentations include a video salute to the phenomenal women of K-State; "Passionistas on Parade," where guests will have the opportunity to introduce themselves; "In View at K-State," with a cast of local hosts, talent segments and special guests discussing contemporary issues; Monica Biernat, professor and associate chair of research and graduate studies at the University of Kansas, will present "The Subtleties and Complexities of Gender Bias"; "M.O.M," men on their mothers, featuring Tim de Noble, dean of the College of Architecture, Planning and Design; Denis Medeiros, associate dean of the College of Human Ecology; and David Griffin Sr., assistant dean of the College of Education; "Our Mothers, Ourselves" to honor guests' mothers; and "Match Me if You Can," a fun audience-participation guessing game involving guests' childhood photos.

Rounding out the afternoon will be a professional development workshop with Ruth Hensley-Taylor, a life coach, motivational speaker and international author.

Registration is $20 and covers a continental breakfast and lunch. To register and get more information, visit http://www.k-state.edu/ddcd/SummitLinks.htm.

Other summit-related events include the Third Diversity Tea at K-State Salina at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, in the College Center cafeteria, and a women's wellness fair from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 31, on the concourse and lower levels of the Union on the Manhattan campus. The fair will feature many local female entrepreneurs and vendors specializing in women's services and products.