Penn State Welcomes Chief Diversity Officer for Fall Semester Commencement Speech
For Penn State University students preparing to graduate this December, an inspiring message awaits as Norman Bristol Colón, Pennsylvania’s Chief Diversity Officer, is set to deliver the commencement speech. This significant event, scheduled for December 21st, not only celebrates the academic achievements of Penn State’s fall graduates but also highlights an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education—a cause Colón passionately supports.
A Familiar Face Returns to Penn State
Colón, a Penn State alumnus, has been a prominent advocate for DEI within Pennsylvania since his appointment by Governor Josh Shapiro last year. His role aims to further DEI across both public and private sectors, which he exemplifies through his work. Before serving in this capacity, Colón was the Chief Diversity Officer at the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development and founded the Pennsylvania Latino Convention. Through these positions, he has championed DEI values, focusing heavily on improving opportunities for the Latino population across the state.
Having given a similarly themed address at Alvernia University earlier this season to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, Colón is no stranger to engaging student audiences in thought-provoking, socially-resonant discourse. His upcoming speech at Penn State Berks promises to draw from this rich background, prompting graduates to reflect on their roles in fostering inclusive environments.
Emphasizing Diversity in Higher Education
In recent years, colleges nationwide have increasingly sought to embed DEI values into their academic cultures. At institutions like the University of Virginia and Hofstra University, purposefully crafted identity-based graduation events—such as Lavender Graduations for LGBTQ students or ceremonies for multicultural groups—reflect this commitment.
Such initiatives not only celebrate the diversity within student populations but serve as platforms for amplifying historically marginalized voices, engendering an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding. The presence of a dedicated diversity officer like Colón at commencement reinforces this commitment, offering guidance and inspiration to the next generation of leaders.
Local Community Reactions
Responding to the news of Colón’s address, local community members like Sarah Thompson, a senior majoring in Sociology at Penn State, expressed enthusiasm. “Having someone who has actively driven change in the state address us is significant. His work with the Latino Convention alone shows he’s not just talking about DEI; he’s actively shaping it,” Thompson shared.
Meanwhile, some conservative voices, as reported by outlets like Campus Reform, have expressed concern over perceived biases against their perspectives within university settings. Emphasizing the importance of free speech, these groups encourage balancing ideologically varied experiences on campus, advocating for environments where every voice, including conservative ones, feels heard and respected.
Forward-Thinking Implications
Colón’s keynote not only marks a celebratory end to this academic chapter for students but suggests pathways for inclusive growth in broader societal contexts. For Penn State, his presence underscores the importance of remaining proactive in DEI efforts and fostering dialogue around these essential values within its community. Similar collaborations with state diversity leaders can solidify these initiatives, helping Penn State remain a leader among American universities in this arena.
From faculty members to policymakers, partnerships reflecting Colón’s dedication can innovatively extend DEI initiatives outside academia, into workplaces and communities where diverse perspectives and inclusive practices lead to enriched societal development.
Providing Resources and Continuing the Conversation
For interested students and community members wishing to know more about DEI initiatives at Penn State, resources are accessible through campus offices dedicated to these themes. Moreover, the university plans to host post-commencement discussions and forums, enabling participants to engage with themes raised by Colón in his address.
As Penn State prepares to celebrate this milestone, the inclusion of a figure as passionate and experienced as Norman Bristol Colón serves as a reminder of the integral role diversity, equity, and inclusion play—not just within the walls of academic institutions but as cornerstones of progressive communities. His speech promises to inspire graduates to embody these values, moving forward into their future endeavors with a renewed sense of purpose and community interest.
