Baruch College Launches Major Initiative to Celebrate Diversity and Foster Respectful Dialogue

Baruch College Launches Major Initiative to Celebrate Diversity and Foster Respectful Dialogue

Baruch Connects embodies the College's core values of collaboration and connection

October 28, 2024

Baruch Connects-a newly launched campus-wide initiative-is already in full swing, bringing a yearlong series of events that celebrates Baruch's rich diversity and foster a culture of respectful dialogue within its community.

This major initiative "embodies Baruch's core values of collaboration and connection," said Baruch College President S. David Wu in his October 7 campus announcement.

"Baruch Connects will bring our community together to embrace the broad range of perspectives that make Baruch such a vibrant and dynamic institution."

Intercultural Celebrations Abound

To kick off Baruch Connects, the College is orchestrating a diverse array of cultural heritage celebrations-some traditionally recognized by CUNY and others newly introduced.

In September, a Rosh Hashanah Festival took place at Clivner=Field Plaza and a Diwali celebration is set to follow on October 31. The Spring semester will feature events for Lunar New Year, Easter, and Eid al-Fitr.

According to President Wu, these celebrations are designed to be student-centered and will actively involve collaboration with many student clubs. Additional programming is being organized by the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, and the Zicklin School of Business.

Fostering Civil Dialogue Across Campus

Baruch Connects goes beyond intercultural celebrations; it includes the roll-out of the Respectful Dialogue Series-a platform for open, respectful conversations that will span the entire academic year. This component of Baruch Connects will feature several weeklong capsule series focused on themes of dialogue and intellectual engagement, including:

• October: The Foundations of Civil Discourse
• February: Intellectual Pluralism and the Marketplace of Ideas
• April: Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding

The Respectful Dialogue Series will also encompass lectures, academic programming, student activities, and community festivals, all designed to contribute to Baruch's vibrant learning environment. Check out October events listed in the President's campus message "Through Dialogue and Interaction: Join Baruch Connects Events."

Join the Journey

"I am truly excited about this journey we're embarking on together, and I look forward to seeing each of you at these events," said President Wu. "This is a unique opportunity for us to connect, grow, and foster a deeper sense of community."

Members of the campus community are welcome to share their ideas and feedback by emailing [email protected] and to participate in this major initiative to celebrate Baruch's diversity and foster meaningful connections.

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