Diversity, equity, and inclusion—or DEI—are not always terms one hears paired with university fundraising. Higher Education alumna Kat Walsh (’08) wants to change that.

As we commemorate Juneteenth this year, its 156th anniversary is an especially monumental occasion with the federal passage of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Holiday.

As you are likely aware, escalated violence has affected people in Jerusalem, Gaza, and other places in the Middle East in recent days. Although a ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has recently been reached, members of our own University community are among those who have suffered or are suffering a great deal of pain and loss.

As our nation continues to grapple with civil unrest related to systemic racism, the death of George Floyd over a year ago and the subsequent trial of Derek Chauvin have been at the forefront of our national dialogue. Following many weeks of testimony and deliberation, today’s conviction in the murder of George Floyd is the first step towards justice and closure.