Maya Dizak ’20 became the first woman of color to kayak the length of the Mississippi River solo during a field research expedition in the summer of 2019. Photo by Michael McGuire ’20.
IMPACT
A PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT FOUNDATION
“The stories that follow explore just some of the ways that alumni and friends have turned their passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion into positive change. It’s been an honor for the UVM Foundation to partner with them in this work.”
Dear friends of UVM,
I believe that giving is a powerful act, and an optimistic one. Donors and volunteers like me invest their time and financial resources to help bring about the change that they want to see in the world. This is as true at the University of Vermont as anywhere, where our very founding was marked by what we might call acts of extreme philanthropic optimism. Nearly 230 years later, I think we can all agree that those acts have yielded tremendous results.
As I watch millions of people across our nation working to advance the diversity, equity, and inclusiveness of our society, I find myself reflecting on the many ways that alumni and friends have helped UVM work towards fulfilling its own goals in these areas—and the impacts that their investments of time and treasure have had in the wider world. The past twenty years in particular have seen intense philanthropic and volunteer activity focused in this area, and the outcomes are inspiring. With our community’s support, we have made gains in virtually all areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion at UVM, but this work is ongoing and warrants constant attention. Our commitment to moving forward on this path is rooted in UVM’s principles of Our Common Ground (a set of community values that includes justice and respect) and reflects the passion and dedication of generations of UVM students, faculty, and staff who have worked to help UVM realize its ideals. These efforts are central to each of the three pillars within the University’s “Amplifying Our Impact” strategic vision. Student success depends upon fostering an environment that is welcoming and enriching for every member of our community. The quality and impact of our research is intrinsically connected to the diversity of ideas and approaches that develop and interrogate it. Finally, fulfilling our land grant mission to serve Vermont and Vermonters is only possible when UVM embraces the full richness and variety of identity and experience in our society. The stories that follow explore just some of the ways that alumni and friends have turned their passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion into positive change. It’s been an honor for the UVM Foundation to partner with them in this work. To all of my fellow donors, volunteers, and advocates—no matter your areas of interest— thank you for your support.
Diane L. Seder '74
Chair
UVM Foundation Board of Directors
IMPACT
A PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT FOUNDATION
Maya Dizak ’20 became the first woman of color to kayak the length of the Mississippi River solo during a field research expedition in the summer of 2019. Photo by Michael McGuire ’20.
Dear friends of UVM,
I believe that giving is a powerful act, and an optimistic one. Donors and volunteers like me invest their time and financial resources to help bring about the change that they want to see in the world. This is as true at the University of Vermont as anywhere, where our very founding was marked by what we might call acts of extreme philanthropic optimism. Nearly 230 years later, I think we can all agree that those acts have yielded tremendous results.
As I watch millions of people across our nation working to advance the diversity, equity, and inclusiveness of our society, I find myself reflecting on the many ways that alumni and friends have helped UVM work towards fulfilling its own goals in these areas—and the impacts that their investments of time and treasure have had in the wider world. The past twenty years in particular have seen intense philanthropic and volunteer activity focused in this area, and the outcomes are inspiring. With our community’s support, we have made gains in virtually all areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion at UVM, but this work is ongoing and warrants constant attention. Our commitment to moving forward on this path is rooted in UVM’s principles of Our Common Ground (a set of community values that includes justice and respect) and reflects the passion and dedication of generations of UVM students, faculty, and staff who have worked to help UVM realize its ideals. These efforts are central to each of the three pillars within the University’s “Amplifying Our Impact” strategic vision. Student success depends upon fostering an environment that is welcoming and enriching for every member of our community. The quality and impact of our research is intrinsically connected to the diversity of ideas and approaches that develop and interrogate it. Finally, fulfilling our land grant mission to serve Vermont and Vermonters is only possible when UVM embraces the full richness and variety of identity and experience in our society. The stories that follow explore just some of the ways that alumni and friends have turned their passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion into positive change. It’s been an honor for the UVM Foundation to partner with them in this work. To all of my fellow donors, volunteers, and advocates—no matter your areas of interest—thank you for your support.
Diane L. Seder '74
Chair
UVM Foundation Board of Directors