Wake Forest Celebrates Diversity

A Multicultural Reception and Welcome brought students, faculty, staff and community leaders together to connect, interact and learn about opportunities and support available at Wake Forest University Schools of Business and in the surrounding area.

“The diversity of our student population continues to increase each year. In the graduate business programs that started this summer, underrepresented groups make up 26% of our student body and women account for 36%. In addition, we have international students joining us from 12 different countries,” said Erica Holloman (right), diversity affairs program manager in the Schools of Business.

“Since we have such diversity within our walls, it is important that we are all open to getting to know others on an individual level. It will take all of us to make students feel at home and a part of this community,” she added.

The event held Aug. 25 in the Worrell Professional Center Courtyard had 80 people in attendance. Steve Reinemund, dean of business; Barbee Oakes, assistant provost for diversity and inclusion; and Jonathan Cox, assistant director of multicultural affairs, extended greetings. Several club and community leaders took an opportunity to invite students to get involved with their organizations.

Ana Calles (’11) and Alisia Cedarholm (MSA ’12), co-presidents, Organization of Latin American Students, encouraged others to volunteer and take part in social events. “We want students to know that there is an organization they can join and form a community,” Cedarholm said. “It’s important to have different perspectives brought to the table, sharing our experiences is part of learning.”

Representatives from the Winston-Salem Urban League Young Professionals League recommended that students connect with the community beyond the University. The organization’s president Kismet Loftin-Bell suggested off campus social events, political activities and serving on boards of non-profit organizations.

“It was nice that we got to meet people from other programs and had a good turnout of undergraduate and graduate students,” said Ramona Hammonds (left), who is part of the MA class of 2011.

“An event like this really signifies willingness on the part of the University to be inclusive and open to different cultures. It’s important for us to get to know one another and have the ability to communicate,” said Brooks Pollard (MBA ’11), president, Black Business Student Association.