Diversity expert to address Saint Martin’s University community

Gonzaga’s Reyes will engage students, faculty and staff

November 7, 2007

On Nov. 15-16, Saint Martin’s University will welcome Raymond Reyes, Ph.D., to its campus for a two-day dialogue on “Diversity in Higher Education: Implications and Considerations for Faith-Based Institutions.” Reyes will present a lecture on Nov. 15, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Trautman Union Building, and the following cultural diversity workshops on Nov. 16:

Due to limited space, these events are open only to students, faculty and staff of Saint Martin’s. The lecture and workshops are free but require an RSVP to John Hopkins at 360-486-8847 or jhopkins@stmartin.edu.

This two-day program is part of an initiative by Saint Martin’s to explore the meaning and impact of multiculturalism within the university community. Last year, SMU’s Office of Intercultural Initiatives launched several events and an annual lecture series on the issue of diversity. Reyes’ lecture is the second in the series.

Reyes will discuss the significance of multiculturalism from a faith-based perspective. “Diversity, its nature and our reaction to its nature, is the living curriculum by which we spiritualize our consciousness to master the lessons of love and service,” says Reyes. “Culture is a way of life that allows us to walk the spiritual path with practical feet.”

Reyes, the Associate Mission Vice President for Intercultural Relations at Gonzaga University, has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate level in GU’s Department of Teacher Education, Department of Sociology, Department of Religious Studies and School of Business. He is an expert on optimizing organizational performance through intercultural competence and multicultural literacy.

“Dr. Reyes will ask us to consider the relevance of diversity to our Benedictine identity,” explains John Hopkins, director of Intercultural Initiatives. “These kinds of discussions give us the chance to engage with one another and address difficult issues.”

Hopkins notes that SMU is planning several other diversity-focused events throughout the year, including a speaker in the spring. “We will keep these conversations going all year long,” he says.

Saint Martin’s University is an independent four-year, Catholic, coeducational university located on a 320-acre wooded campus in Lacey, Washington. Established in 1895 by the Catholic Order of Saint Benedict, the University is one of 18 Benedictine colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains. Saint Martin’s University prepares students for successful lives through its 21 majors and six graduate programs spanning the liberal arts, business, education and engineering. Saint Martin’s welcomes 1,250 students from many ethnic and religious backgrounds to its main campus, and 650 more to its five extension campuses located at Fort Lewis Army Post, McChord Air Force Base, Olympic College, Centralia College and Tacoma Community College.

For additional information:

John Hopkins
Saint Martin’s University
360-486-8847
jhopkins@stmartin.edu