Charlie Nelms, former Vice President for Student Development and Diversity - "I am convinced that IU's long-term success at creating and sustaining a climate that promotes respect for diversity is directly related to its capacity to help people understand why diversity is important and how each person can be an agent of change. COMU helps to create sustainable change at Indiana University."

 

 

Katharine Byers, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Bloomington Social Work Program - "COMU is an organization committed to making this environment one in which diversity is not merely tolerated, but celebrated."

 

 

Keisha Alexander, IU Black Student Union former graduate advisor - "COMU is not just an organization about discussion on race issues, but also one of high regard for racial diversity and tolerance on the IU campus. It strives to promote cultural authenticity by award ceremonies, leadership retreats, panel discussions and various committees. Every student should become involved in such an organization that is committed to the overall diversity of IU students."

 

Doug Bauder, Coordinator of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Student Support Services - "I see multicultural issues as political, relational, and spiritual in nature, and COMU works as effectively as any group on campus in highlighting these dimensions."

 

 

Paul Eisenberg, Professor of Philosophy - "COMU means to me an opportunity to meet with other concerned IU 'citizens' of diverse ages and backgrounds, and to try to work with them towards making this campus and city places where everyone may flourish to the best of her or his ability, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation."

 

 

Melanie Payne, Associate Director of Orientation Programs - "One great thing about COMU is that students, staff, and faculty are working together. It's great to have that input and the range of discussion it generates."

 

 

Samson Chan, Asian Student Union Chair - "I commend COMU for the positive work it has done to help make this campus a more inclusive environment for all. COMU has helped connect ASU with other student groups and has helped us reach out to more people. Through retreats, orientation programs, and even simple recognition of students and groups on campus, COMU fills an essential need at Indiana University for multicultural education and awareness."

Shana N. Baird, Graduate student, Counseling and Counselor Education Program - "Universities are microcosms of the 'real-world' in which everyone must operate, and COMU helps educate the campus community on multicultural issues and concerns. As a minority graduate student, I am proud to have COMU on the Indiana University campus."

 

 

Richard N. McKaig, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students - "The Commission On Multicultural Understanding provides a forum for faculty, staff, and students to work collaboratively to make our campus a more welcoming place for all, and to enrich our understanding of different culture and races. Through COMU programs, participants are given the opportunity to celebrate our differences and to constructively address issues of oppression. COMU is a way interested individuals can make a difference on our campus."