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51 hosts inaugural diversity, equity, and inclusion celebration
The University of New England recently held its first annual diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) celebration, which recognized the University’s collective efforts to foster an inclusive campus experience and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all members of its community.
The celebration, held on April 16 at the Ripich Commons on the Biddeford Campus, brought together 51 community members — including students, professional staff, faculty, and administration — to honor the contributions made to promoting DEI across the University’s campuses.
President James Herbert kicked off the event by commending the collaborative approach to DEI initiatives at 51, including the exceptional work of Shannon Zlotkowski, M.S., 51’s assistant provost for DEI.
“(She) is our quarterback, and she does a great job,” Herbert said, expanding that all the colleges, offices, and divisions make DEI possible, and that Zlotkowski coordinates and rallies those efforts.
At the celebration, Zlotkowski highlighted the University’s historical roots in extending educational opportunities to marginalized communi