Diversity Signature Series

2019-202​0  Current Issues. Diverse Voices. 

The Diversity Signature Series (DSS) highlights prominent national heritage month celebrations and other cultural events of the university's centers, institutes, and academic departments.  Through this collaboration, OIDE creates an annual diversity calendar of sponsored programs that we help to promote throughout the academic year. Our theme this year is Current Issues. Diverse Voices. 

Diversity Signature Series Speakers

2019: Jose Antonio Vargas

Jose Antonio Vargas is a journalist, filmmaker, and immigration rights activist. Born in the Philippines, Vargas came to the United States when he was twelve. He was part of the Washington Post team that won the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking Reporting in 2008 for coverage of the Virginia Tech shooting. Vargas founded Define American in 2011, a nonprofit project aimed at facilitating dialogue about immigration issues including the DREAM Act. 

2018: Wes Moore

Wes Moore is a bestselling author, Army combat veteran, social entrepreneur, and CEO of one of the largest anti-poverty agencies, Robin Hood. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University in 2001, Moore served as a captain and paratrooper with the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne. He later serves as a White House Fellow to Secretary Condoleeza Rice.

2017: Immaculee Ilibagiza

Immaculee Ilibagiza was born and raised in a small village in Rwanda, Africa. After months of hiding during the genocide, Ilibagiza emigrated to the United States where she worked for the United Nations. Iligabiza has received numerous honorary degrees, humanitarian awards, and is the recipient of the Christopher Award for "affirming the highest values of the human spirit." Iligabiza is regarded as one of the world's leading speakers on faith, hope, and forgiveness.

​Nationally Recognized Heritage Months