300+ Attend Diversity Walk Dedication At West Chester University

WEST CHESTER, PA — Former state senator and professor, Andrew E. Dinniman, displayed an air of optimism Saturday as 300 people from all walks of life united together at West Chester University to dedicate a Diversity Walkway in his honor.

“When I looked upon what we are doing today, I want to make it clear that this walkway is just not in my honor alone, but is in honor of those leaders of this university and faculty who are committed to diversity,” Dinniman said to the crowd during a ceremony on the plaza between The Sciences & Engineering Center, The Commons, and Lawrence Hall.

Before the ceremony, Dinniman told Patch that this is the time when everyone from all backgrounds joined for the university’s first annual gathering for diversity, equity, inclusion, and opportunity.

“We in Chester County were established by the Quakers, who preached tolerance and understanding,” Dinniman said.

Dinniman said that the meaning of the Declaration of Independence is diversity, equity and inclusion, noting the 250th anniversary of our nation will be celebrated in 2026.

“This is what our nation is all about,” he said.

Dinniman’s vision to create an annual community gathering for civil discourse also included starting the Together Fund, an endowment for which $112,000 has been raised for the campus commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Dinniman noted the event Saturday was held on Eid-al-Fitr, the last day of Ramadan.

Dinniman was a state senator from 2006 to 2020, a county commissioner from 1992-2006, and a member of two school boards.

He worked as a professor at West Chester University, teaching courses including African American History, Racial and Ethnic Understanding, Global Studies and Public Policy.

University President Chris Fiorentino said Dinniman is the kind of person who isn’t letting a little thing like retirement stop him from pursuing a more equitable Pennsylvania.

The crowd chuckled.

The president said that the university was more than happy to open its doors to Dinniman’s idea and set up the Together Fund.

"The intent of the project is to remove systematic barriers and ensure more students complete college degrees, especially those left behind: low-income, first-generation and students of color," Fiorentino said.

“Something bigger than myself”

Student Julie Ward, a junior, said the students at the university came from all backgrounds but are all part of the Golden Rams community.
“One of the best parts of being a Golden Ram is the variety of people I interact with each day,” she said. “Having tough conversations and truly listening to each other’s experiences is the only way we can move forward.
“I am proud West Chester University allows me to be something bigger than myself.”