Diversity Walk: Dedication To Dinniman At West Chester University

WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester University plans to pay a tribute to the impactful community work and inclusive teaching of former State Sen. Andrew E. Dinniman by dedicating a popular campus corridor in his honor — Diversity Walk.

Diversity Walk will be formally dedicated to Dinniman at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at a ceremony in the university plaza, between the east entrance of The Sciences & Engineering Center and The Commons and the side entrance of Lawrence Hall.

University President Chris Fiorentino said Dinniman's relentless work to unite all people in the community is to be applauded, noting Dinniman established a forum to discuss new approaches to societal challenges.

Dinniman was a state senator from 2006 to 2020 and a professor at West Chester University.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is time to assess and discuss where we are as a society,” Dinniman said. “The dynamics of intercultural communication lead us to a full appreciation of our common humanity. The purpose of this gathering can be best summed by the words spoken by the chief historian of the Museum of the American Revolution, Philip Mead, who said, ‘Each generation must look at itself and ask are we making progress? The question is what can we do differently this time?’”

The dedication will be followed by the first annual Community Gathering for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Science and Engineering Center, 155 University Ave.

Dr. Clifford DeBaptiste is the honorary chair of the First Annual Community Gathering for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity.

Citizens will engage in conversations about race and ethnic relations today.

Professor Emerita Anita Foeman and Professor Bessie Lawton, both teaching in the Department of Communication Studies and DNA researchers, will provide information about transforming communities by uniting people through genetic epiphanies.

History Professor Emeritus Charles Hardy, III, an expert in digital storytelling, will detail how historical research can help make sense of one another’s life experiences.