I am excited to introduce this edition of Taking Action, the biannual magazine from the Office of Institutional Diversity!
Before I cover some of the important stories in this edition, you’ll see a few changes for Taking Action moving forward. For starters, this will be the last regular print edition of the magazine as we reimagine how we share and amplify stories of university community members creating impact and change. Taking Action’s web and social channels will expand, and we’ll still create special print editions from time to time. Stay tuned for more and sign up to receive updates from OID at beav.es/taking-action.
In this edition, we’re sharing stories of OSU community members advancing inclusive excellence indoors, outdoors and in the heat of the kitchen.
First up is the story of Oregon State alum Mike Truong, who received a 2023 James Beard Award for his work on the documentary “Restaurant Takeover ft. Matta,” a YouTube short exploring themes of identity, family history and food. I definitely recommend checking it out online.
Next, Eric Slyman, a Ph.D. student in Stefan Lee’s lab shares insights on his work to identify and address social identity bias in AI. And we catch up with Jose Torres, who recently graduated with an honors degree via Ecampus, taking advantage of an opportunity where Oregon State is leading the way.
As we prepare to spend more time indoors through the wet and snowy Oregon winter, we're excited to share more about an amazing initiative advancing inclusive excellence in the outdoors: Outdoor School in the Division of Extension and Engagement has been steadily expanding its ability to provide inquiry-based science education in the field to all fifth and sixth-grade students in Oregon, regardless of their location, background and income level.
We’re excited to welcome the newest member of the Office of Institutional Diversity team, Carina Buzo Tipton! Carina recently earned her Ph.D. in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies from Oregon State and now serves as Assistant Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Education. In this role, she develops and delivers learning opportunities for students, faculty and staff at OSU to build capacity for change. Please join me in welcoming Carina!
Finally, we look forward to joining OSU community members across the state in January 2024 to celebrate the 42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration. We hope to see you at the Peace Breakfast and Peace March on January 15 and the Keynote Address on January 31. Visit beav.es/MLK for registration information and event details.
Thank you for being strong partners in advancing inclusive excellence.
Best regards,
Scott A. Vignos, J.D.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer