Antonio Foncillas
Staff Writer
Highlighting the importance of open discussion about cultural differences on university campuses, the Growing with Diversity Committee will hold its second annual diversity essay competition this spring.
University of La Verne students have the opportunity to write a 10-to-15 page paper about topics ranging from current issues and new trends to persistent themes, challenges and developments in the general area of diversity. Papers are due April 3 and winner(s) will receive up to $1,500.
Diversity is important in most fields, said Julius Walecki, associate professor of economics, who is coordinating this competition.
“Despite all the publicity, it is still misunderstood by most of us,” Walecki said. “I want to make sure that our students have a better understanding of many facets of diversity. Conflicts happen in the society because of ignorance and lack of respect for others. Too often people are ready to ridicule those they simply don’t understand.”
Joanna L. Acentares, who is working toward her doctorate in clinical-community psychology, won the competition last year. For her paper, Acentares wrote about ethnic minorities who had to take care of a mentally ill family member.
“To be able to function in a society that allows us to interact with such variety of people, we must discuss diversity, we must discuss multiculturalism,” Acentares said. “Not talking about diversity will keep us … blind to the wonderful things we can learn and experience from those who are different than us.”
ULV is a good environment for discussion about diversity, she added.
“It is important to remember that a college campus attracts diverse students, especially in California,” Acentares said.
Rafael Escamilla, an exchange student from Spain, agreed: “I think that diversity is becoming more important every single day due to factors like open markets and globalization,” Escamilla said. “In college it is even more important because receiving an education also means knowing how to treat people from all over the world.”
Walecki said he believes student participants will grow through the experience.
“I can guarantee you that the necessary research part will be truly a meaningful journey,” Walecki said. “Ideally our ULV students that we’re so proud of would take those new experiences at ULV to the outside world and educate others on the benefits of diversity.”
Acentares added that students who participate in the contest will help many people.
“Their research can add to that body of literature that needs to be expanded,” she said.
A jury of ULV faculty and administrators will evaluate the papers, and three finalists will be chosen by April 24. The finalists will present their work at an open forum on May 4.
For more information contact Walecki at (909)593-3511 Ext. 4293 or at walecij@ulv.edu.
Antonio Foncillas can be reached at boueron_11@hotmail.com.
