Regis University to Host Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities Conference on Diversity and Equity

The four day event will take place from June 9-12

Regis University is thrilled to announce its role as the host institution for the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) Diversity and Equity Network Conference, taking place from June 9-12, 2024. This prestigious event will convene thought leaders, educators, and advocates from across the nation to explore the theme "Transforming our Institutions for Love and Justice." 

The conference will feature a dynamic lineup of sessions and workshops presented by esteemed professionals and scholars in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with innovative topics such as creating inclusive environments for students from diverse backgrounds, linguistically responsive instruction, DEIB professional development for faculty and staff, transformative education in healthcare leadership, and fundraising for DEI programs.

Keynote speaker Dr. Gina Garcia, a professor at University of California, Berkeley specializing in issues of equity and justice in higher education, will deliver a compelling presentation on embracing and enacting organizational identities for serving minoritized populations within Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).

"This conference represents a pivotal moment for advancing the critical work of diversity and inclusion in higher education," said Salvador Aceves, Ed.D., President of Regis University. "We are honored to welcome colleagues from Jesuit institutions across the country to collaborate and inspire meaningful change in our institutions."

Below is a list of the presenters who will be speaking at the conference.

Inspiring Hope and Interest in Higher Education

Charlene Brown-McKenzie, Georgetown University

Creating Inclusive Higher Education Environments for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Jeanine Coleman, Morgan McNeill, Lauren Gray, Grace Maddox, Andrew Regan, Sam Levin, Regis University

Linguistically Responsive Instruction: Where is the Love (and Justice)?

Jenna Martin, Kelli Woodrow, Regis University

Transformative Education: Graduating Culturally Responsive Healthcare Leaders

Heidi Eigsti, Regis University

Disabling Silos: Empowering Community to Build Inclusion for Students with Disabilities

Justin Hiniker, Meera Layton, Marcus Hernandez, Sherece Alaniz, Shelby Bitz, Erin Hager, Strider Swope, Colorado State University Pueblo

Professional Development Series for Faculty and Staff: A Blueprint for Engaging Through Education

Marshawn Razor, Loyola University Chicago 

Fundraising101: Sustaining Your Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

Devin Owens, Creighton University

Religious/Spiritual/Secular (RSS) Diversity at the Intersection of DEI and Jesuit Mission Integration

Russell CD Arnold, Julia Brumbaugh, Regis University

Utilizing an Equity-Minded Leadership Framework

Rashain Adams, Fordham University

Exploring Together: Common Intellectual Experiences and a Community of Care

Becky Vartabedian, Trudi Wright, Regis University

EquiLaw: Diversifying Legal Pathways Campaign

Courtney Griffin, University of Detroit Mercy

Campus Culture: Enhancing Love and Justice Through Student Organizations 

Sophia Siong, Lizzie Truong, Naomi Lumban-Gaol, Jenna Martin, Regis University

ISN's Undocu Network: Building Community by Investing in Directly-Impacted Student Leadership

Jorge Palacios, Ignatian Solidarity Network

The Urban Leadership Learning Community at Canisius University

Bennie Williams, Canisius University

Development of DEIBA Professional Development Series for HSIs

Erin Carillo-Stresow, Colorado State University Pueblo

Revolutionizing Textbooks and Course Materials for Love and Justice: An Introduction to Open Education Resources (OER)

Amy Hezel, Kate Burns, Rhiana Murphy, Sara Satkowiak, Regis University

Crash Course in Community: Service Learning at an HSI

Sarah Puett, Jason Taylor, Regis University

History and the Integration of Bilingualism in an HSI

Heider Tun Tun, Regis University

Transformation of Perspective: Changing Ourselves to Transform the World

Paresha Haley, Regis University

The event is open to faculty and staff at Jesuit colleges and universities, as well as local colleges and universities in the Denver metro area and around the state of Colorado.

The conference promises to provide invaluable insights and strategies for fostering love, justice, and equity within higher education. For more information and registration details, visit https://regisu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aX0KlTgLNA0sNdc