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Office of Housing and Residence Life Receives Commitment to Diversity Award

Office of Housing and Residence LifeFerris State University’s Office of Housing and Residence Life received the Outstanding Commitment to Diversity Award for its “Taggart/Pickell Body Image Exhibit.”

In November, the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers presented the award to Ferris for “the implementation of an innovative approach to enhance diversity awareness, understanding and education on a college campus.”

The event was held in November 2012 to debunk stereotypes of beauty and gender that occur on a daily basis. The exhibit was designed and operated by The Harmony Project Committee, a subset of the Office of Housing and Residence Life. The committee works to increase knowledge of diversity at Ferris.

“The program was a museum-esque exhibit with information, artifacts, art and media, addressing body image in the media, beauty throughout history, eating disorders and more,” said Emma Mentley, hall director for Taggart and Pickell residence halls.

Other exhibits that The Harmony Project has put on this year include: “He She Us,” a gender exhibit; “What I Like About Me,” a body image exhibit; The Tunnel of Oppression; and a final exhibit will be hosted in March and will be titled, “What Does It Mean To Be American?”

“Diversity education is essential to increase social development, prepare for practical real-world navigation and create stronger advocates,” Mentley said.

The Office of Residence Life won this award in 2009 for its yearlong efforts and the impact of The Harmony Project Committee.