The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosts and sponsors a number of engaging and relevant signature events that move diversity, equity, and inclusion forward at UVM. We invite all members of the UVM community to find out more about each of our special events and programs below.
2023 Health Equity Summit
Closing the Margin: Avenues to Health Equity
The University of Vermont and the University of Vermont Health Network are now accepting proposals for the 2023 Health Equity Summit, Closing the Margin: Avenues to Health Equity.
Andrew Harris Legacy Reception
A Celebration for the Community
Named after the first African American graduate of UVM, this annual event honors the legacy and work of UVM community members who have inspired and strengthened diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campus. The 2023 celebration will take place on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Please check back for more information.
2022 Reception
On October 9, 2022 from 10-11:30 AM we joined together for a dynamic morning of great food and music along with meaningful reflections on the legacy of H. Lawrence (Larry) McCrorey, former UVM professor and dean whose influence and dedication to combating racism has had a lasting impact on the entire university community.
2021 Reception
2021's speakers included Amer F. Ahmed, Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Sherwood Smith, Senior Executive Director for Inclusive Excellence and Faculty Engagement; Bev Colston, Director of the Mosiac Center for Students of Color; Rev. Laura Engelken, Director of the Interfaith Center; Paul Yoon, Senior Advisor for Inclusive Excellence; and Jim Vigoreaux, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.
Watch the 2021 reception remarks
2020 Virtual Reception
In October, we gathered to honor the legacy and work of our UVM community members who have led the way to inspire and strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. The program included a welcoming from Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant, reflective words on the Harris legacy by Bev Colston, and a Black Lives Matter (BLM) Flag Dedication.
Watch the Celebration on YouTube
BLM Flag History
In 2016, UVM was the first institution of higher education in the United States to fly the Black Lives Matter flag. Since then, thousands of other institutions across the country have followed our lead. After the first flown BLM flag was stolen, our community came together to hoist a second BLM flag handmade by former Director of Student Life Pat Brown and his wife Amy Huntington. The BLM flag will be prominently displayed in the University’s Mosaic Center for Students of Color to signify UVM’s continued commitment and dedication to Honoring Black lives.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration & Education Series
Faculty, staff, students, and community members are encouraged to gather at the Ira Allen Chapel or online for DEI's annual celebration honoring the life and work of Dr. King.
Inclusive Excellence Symposium (formerly Blackboard Jungle)
March 18-22, 2024
An evolution of UVM’s Blackboard Jungle, the Inclusive Excellence Symposium explores what it means to be in community with UVM's Our Common Ground values.