« Professors live here too | Main | Experiencing culture through music »
December 12, 2006
Coordinator takes diversity to heart
If one is not paying attention it can be easy to miss David Albornoz as he zips by on his scooter to or from his office. While he may blow by you, his ideas for the future of Hamline in the area of diversity might not.
“Conflict in society comes from misunderstanding,” said Albornoz, the Education Department's program coordinator.
His passion for social justice and diversity is apparent in his discussion of the Hamline community. “We are on the right track but very far away from fulfilling our promise,” said Albornoz. He sees the university as aware of the need for a diverse community and recognizes the continuing discussions, but doesn’t think that is enough.
The university, Albornoz says, “needs to make true the promise of diversity.” He sees this happening in a few different ways. In order for the university to attract more diverse students, it will have to, “develop resources from within.” A diverse student body is going to have to start with a diverse staff and faculty, something which at this time, which is lacking, Albornez said. He also sees a need to reevaluate services offered which are primarily designed for white middle to upper class students, whose needs are much different than those of the student body's. Albornoz acknowledges that Hamline is trying. However, he doesn’t think trying is enough if Hamline wants to truly be able to call itself a diverse University.
As someone who’s life goal is working for social justice and diversity, much of David Albornoz’s time is allocated to causes such as being liaison to the Hamline Midway Coalition, and coordinator of Soccer around the world, which support growth of diversity in the community.
He advocates and supports students of diversity here at Hamline and also directs and participates in programs associated with Hancock such as Wallyball, and Adult Recreational Soccer. Both are non-competitive and are part of Albornoz’s work in civil engagement through sports.
Posted by dwright at December 12, 2006 07:18 PM
Comments
Post a comment
Thanks for signing in, . Now you can comment. (sign out)
(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)