Diane Ariza, Ph.D., will be the keynote speaker at the NHS/UNMC 2003 Martin Luther King Holiday Commemoration. Dr. Ariza, assistant dean of multicultural affairs at Albion College in Albion, Mich., and former director of multicultural affairs at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, will speak Monday, Jan. 20, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Storz Pavilion in the NHS Clarkson Hospital.
Raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Ariza has devoted her career to research on African-American and Latino college identity, equity in public education, multicultural education, affirmative action and community empowerment.
Dreams for a multicultural nation
“When I received the invitation from the NHS/UNMC Martin Luther King Day committee, I was happy to return to Omaha’s warmth and togetherness, but also a little anxious,” Dr. Ariza said. “I have heard so many eloquent, highly intellectual speakers on Dr. King over the years, I thought, what could I offer?
“But African American colleagues reminded me that Dr. King’s principles and dream for justice envisioned a multicultural nation based upon the content of character rather than the color of our skin. I have worked in education for many years and I am convinced that Dr. King’s legacy now rests upon the education of our youth. Instead of treating young people as empty vessels, I believe we can rely upon and trust their experiences and knowledge to help direct us elders toward a truly stronger multicultural nation.”
Dr. Ariza’s background
At Albion College, Dr. Ariza also is an instructor in the department of anthropology and sociology. She is director of a project teaching middle school girls how to make successful transitions into high school, excel academically and learn how to plan ahead for their lives. She is instructor of a 12-month research seminar that explores a broad range of literature on adolescent development and ethnic and feminist activist methodology.
In addition, Dr. Ariza is producing a video documentary, “Using the Past to Build Our Future.” This documentary tells how the youth of Albion are revitalizing an economically devastated and divided community. Besides presenting video excerpts at the UNMC/NHS event, she also will bring several Latino students with her from Albion.
In 1981, Dr. Ariza earned a bachelor’s of arts degree in history and Spanish at Stetson University in Florida; a master’s degree in anthropology at Western Michigan University in At Albion 1985; and a doctorate in race and ethnic relations and sociology of education at Western Michigan University in 2000.
She has served as director of admissions and enrollment at Oakland University in Michigan, as well as associate director of admissions and orientation at Western Michigan University. Dr. Ariza has extensive background in training admissions staff and creating multicultural programs designed to attract African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American students from inner city high schools.
Nationally recognized speaker
Dr. Ariza has earned national recognition for her vibrant and richly informative public presentations. In 2000, she presented “Multicultural Identity and Counseling — Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria?” at the Advanced School Counselors Institute NACAC (National Association of College Admission Counselors) Conference in Washington, D.C.
In 2001, she led a workshop on “Phenomenal Women of Color = Academic Success” at the S.H.E. Conference in Lincoln, Neb. S.H.E. (Self-Esteem and Higher Education-Empowerment) brings several hundred adolescent girls together annually for two days of self-actualization and development workshops. In 2002, Dr. Ariza was invited to keynote address the entire S.H.E. conference.
Pizza, soda available
Free pizza and soda will be available for the first 300 guests at the Storz Pavilion. A live video feed of Dr. Ariza’s presentation will be available for overflow audience members at the Wittson Hall Amphitheater.
A role model for young women
In addition, Dr. Ariza will make a second presentation later that day to a multicultural audience of adolescent girls from North and South Omaha. That presentation will be from 3 to 4 p.m. at Girls, Incorporated of Omaha, 2811 N. 45th Street.
“We are excited that NHS/UNMC is bringing Dr. Ariza back to Omaha, and also sponsoring her visit with our girls,” said Carolyn T. Green, associate executive director of Girls, Inc. “We are always trying to expose young women of color to fantastic female role models. It’s one thing to tell them about outstanding women of color or to read about them, but it’s something completely different to have that woman walk through our doors and speak with the girls personally.”
For more information
For more information about Dr. Ariza’s presentations at NHS/UNMC or Girls, Inc., contact Walter Brooks, UNMC Public Affairs Department, at 559-5768 or e-mail at wbrooks@unmc.edu.