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 Academic Teaching Table Luncheon

"I felt the luncheon had a very great topic of focus. I know that if Saginaw Valley takes the brief but powerful information from the luncheon and utilize it our campus will become even stronger by accepting and acknowledging diversity. This is a world issue and our campus continues to advance so this does not become a major issue for our university. I enjoyed the luncheon and would like to have more just like it."  LaDonna Young Human Resources Department

 "I believe this was a very valuable teaching table.  Dr. Barrett asked thought provoking questions on how do we include others?  She also began to provide us with best practice suggestions for inclusion.  I appreciate information such as this for my personal and professional growth.  Thank you."

"Dr. Barrett's presentation at the Teaching Table was outstanding. She brought some leading literature on student development to bear on diversity and inclusion issues. She also encouraged participants to share their ideas on diversity with her and with one another. I was most pleased to be part of this session and I hope that we can invite Dr. Barrett back to SVSU for additional workshops."  

"The Teaching Table was great and the biggest problem was that the time was so short. It was informative and challenging." 

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