A Welcome Message from Dr. Alison Munsch, Chief DEIB Officer
Dear Returning Students, Transfers, Esteemed Faculty, Staff, and, with special enthusiasm, our Newest Members—the Incoming Freshman Class,
With immense joy and heartfelt enthusiasm, I welcome you to our vibrant campus as your Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Officer! Here at Iona, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not just principles we uphold—they are the beating heart of our community, a dynamic force that enriches every aspect of our lives together.
As we begin this new chapter, we embark on a shared journey of growth, learning, and transformation. Our campus is more than a center for academic achievement; it is a community where differences are celebrated, and inclusivity is nurtured. Your presence reflects our deep commitment to embracing diversity in all its forms, including cultural, ethnic, religious, socioeconomic status, mental abilities, physical abilities, racial, gender, neurodivergent identities, and more.
I encourage you to approach this academic year with an open heart and an open mind. Engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds, participate in meaningful dialogues, and challenge your perspectives. In doing so, you will not only enrich your own experience but also contribute to a more inclusive and equitable campus community. There are many events planned to facilitate this.
As your DEIB Officer, I am here to listen, learn, and support you throughout your journey. Together, we will build an environment where every individual feels valued, heard, and empowered to be their true selves. At Iona University, we strive to create a genuine sense of belonging for everyone.
Welcome to a campus that thrives on diversity, fosters inclusion, champions equity, and strives to be a place of belonging. Your presence here is a step toward a brighter, more harmonious future. Let's make the most of this incredible journey together. Thank you for being part of the Iona community, and let's make this academic year a phenomenally positive one to remember!
Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' Speech
As we begin our classes, discussions, and activities, let us also take a moment to reflect on an important milestone in our nation's history—the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, highlighted by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
Our first week of classes marked the anniversary of that historic day on August 28, 1963, when brave individuals marched for racial equality, civil rights, and economic justice. Dr. King's words continue to inspire us, reminding us of the progress we've made and the challenges that remain. His dream is our dream—a vision we must uphold and advance in our own lives and communities. I encourage you to listen to or read the full speech as a source of inspiration. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech can be found here.
Get Involved & Connected!
Be sure to explore the DEIB Website and keep an eye on the Diversity Events Calendar—where there’s a world of opportunities waiting for you to get involved!
In addition, each month there will be a diversity corner in the Provost’s Monthly Newsletter and social media posts on the Iona Provost’s Instagram page to keep you abreast of the latest content from The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
Last year, the voices of campus constituents were heard in terms of the immense importance of DEIB on campus through the DEIB Survey. Our campus community indicated a powerful desire for an even more inclusive and equitable path on campus. To monitor and track perspectives, the DEIB Survey will be repeated in the spring to ensure input to guide continuous improvements and innovations.
To request the 2023 DEIB Survey results, please use the following form found here.
Dr. Alison Munsch
Chief DEIB Officer
Associate Professor, LaPenta School of Business
amunsch@iona.edu
