Office of Diversity Programs

Saginaw Valley State University in conjunction with the Office of Special Assistant to the President for Diversity Programs is committed to creating awareness and acceptance of diversity on the campus of SVSU. This Office takes great pride in providing students and faculty with quality workshops, guest speakers, cultural celebrations and other resources to broaden their knowledge of diversity.

The goal of Saginaw Valley State University and the Office of Diversity Programs is to have the campus community accept and embrace the many diverse cultures and backgrounds that surround all of us, not only at SVSU but throughout the community and the world. It is through this acceptance that knowledge truly begins.

We welcome you to visit our website to gain additional information about the programs and activities that the Office of Diversity Programs offers here at Saginaw Valley State University. Our KCP Future Faculty Fellowship program will assist graduates with the requirements needed outreach programs. Additional links can be accessed by using the navigation bar on the right.

2009 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Symposium: Different Stories, Common Hopes

"I found Dr. Dyson's presentation to be uplifting and inspirational, celebrating the profound achievements and sacrfices of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  I thought that the presentation was enthusiastically received by the audience."

Clifford K. Dorne, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Program Development and Graduate Recruitment

"Dr. Dyson was very inspirational and awesome.  He connected with the audience at every level, and has such a command of his topic.  Bring him back!"

Linda Moore Holoman, M.A., LPC
Director of Student Development, Diversity & Inclusion
Delta College

 "Dr Dyson's comments at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration 2009 gave poetic and powerful voice to the mission of hope.  His message, his medium and his own journey reflected the truth that I hope, in some small measure, to convey to our students.  Dyson's mind and message reminded me of the power of the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and of every woman and man, who sacrificed in monumental and minute ways to smooth the way for others."

Carol Zimmermann, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

"Dr. Dyson was not only entertaining, but brought an uplifting look at our current political status and the possibilities of the future for racial growth and harmony.   I found him to be highly educated and knowledgeable, yet down to earth and approachable.  It was a pleasure for both myself and my students, African-American and Anglo-American"

Hallie Mackley, Teacher/Career Links Advisor
Heritage High School

"The MLK symposium was, in my opinion, a great success.  Dr. Dyson's presentation was great and I particularly liked his ability to readily reach over the generational divide and connect with both young and old.  His message was both thought provoking and positive.  I took away the powerful message that though great progress had been made in realizing Dr. Martin Luther King's dream of an equal America, there was still substantial room from improvement."

Joseph Ofori-Dankwa, Ph.D.
Professor of Management

"I was struck by Michael Eric Dyson's ability to talk to a broad spectrum of people in the audience on a variety of topics related to Dr. King and significant to this moment in American culture.  He was at ease in doing a set of riffs on key words and concepts, demonstrating the importance of having a public intellectual who cares enough to talk to people outside the academy."

Gary Thompson
Professor of English

"We need many people in the world like Dr. MIchael Eric Dyson; I believe he opened the eyes and ears of people and gave us hope and power in this harsh world.  I was not only touched and moved by Dr. Dyson's talk, but I also felt empowered."

Melissa Buono
SVSU Student

"I thoroughly enjoyed the speech given by Dr. Dyson during Saginaw Valley's Martin Luther King program.  I can't imagine any reasonable person with an open mind not giving serious consideration to his message.  I would go further to say that many open minded people left the event examining at least one of their tightly held convictions--I know I did!"

Yolanda Rhodes
SVSU Student

"Dr. Dyson was an inspirational speaker who seemed to be able to relate to everyone in the audience.  He spoke of everyone's troubles and tragedies due to injustice.  Dr. Dyson seemed to understand that we all have different stories, different backgrounds, but we all have the same hope."

Samantha Hizelberger
SVSU Student

"Dr. Dyson's speaking about challenging all forms of oppressions, including racism, sexism, and homophobia resonated with me while I listened to him speak.  I have had relatives suffer from those three forms of oppression because they were Mexican-Americans, women, or gay.  I definitely am glad I went to the symposium, because it lets me know that the ideas and beliefs of Dr. King did not die with him in 1968."

Lawrence Lewis
SVSU Student

"Dr. Dyson's words were so uplifting and rhetorical.  I felt like he touched on so many hot topics, but never really forced his ideas onto anyone, just a different viewpoint.  Someone wi th that speaking ability should be out there spreading their words of love and hope.  I would give anything to take one of his classes or see him speak again."

Katie Phelps
SVSU Student

2009 Roosevelt Ruffin Diversity Award

Saginaw Valley State University’s Roosevelt Ruffin Diversity Award is named in honor of Mr. Roosevelt Ruffin, who was a community activist, local educator and leader. The Roosevelt Ruffin Award Program was created to promote and encourage support of diversity by recognizing individuals and/or groups of individuals at SVSU who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and creativity in the area of diversity.

Mr. Ruffin let his personal philosophy of diversity, leadership and education guide his life. He served as a positive role model and mentor for many, and his contributions to his community were exemplary. Therefore, it is appropriate that Saginaw Valley State University’s highest recognition of diversity is named in his honor.

At the 2009 All University Awards Banquet, Sharon Robinson, Marwan Wafa and Sahar Al-Masri were given the honor to be the next recipients of the Roosevelt Ruffin Diversity Award for their continuous hard work and dedication in the field of diversity.

Congratulations to Sharon Robinson, Marwan Wafa and Sahar Al-Masri for receiving the 2009 Roosevelt Ruffin Diversity Award.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Diversity Programs at 989-964-4068 or e-mail us at mtthorns(at)svsu.edu. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Past Roosevelt Ruffin Recipients

	Dr. Drew Hinderer 2008
	Dr. Kenneth Jolly 2007
	Dr. Robert and Amy Yien 2006
	SVSU Student Association 2005