Catherine Barnes to reflect on how ‘Diversity Pays’
March 15, 2007
KOKOMO, Ind.—Opening the doors of education, the workplace, or social and political life to diverse people is not just the right thing to do, says Catherine Barnes. It can produce great rewards.
Barnes will outline how “Diversity Pays” on Thursday, March 29, as part of the Last Lecture” series, sponsored by the IU Kokomo Alumni Association (IUKAA). She will speak at 6 p.m. in the IU Kokomo Art Gallery. Admission is free and open to the public.
An energetic student mentor, Catherine Barnes has served as coordinator of the Office of Campus Climate since 1996. Campus Climate provides networking opportunities, academic counseling, and heritage celebrations for African-American, Hispanic, Native American, and other students of color at IU Kokomo, as well as the campus’ international students. In 2003, Barnes took on added responsibilities as an academic advisor for the School of Arts and Sciences (SOAS).
When Barnes received the IUKAA’s Distinguished Service Award in 2005, SOAS Dean Sue Sciame-Giesecke, Ph.D., praised Barnes’s commitment to helping all students succeed in college.
“The fact that people are different, come from different races and cultures, is exciting to Cathy,” Sciame-Giesecke added. “She's interested in bringing people together to learn about each other. A very warm and open person, Cathy gets to know you first, then helps you make the bridge to other races and cultures.”
The “Last Lecture” series began in 2005, as part of the campus’ 60th Anniversary observance. Current and past faculty members have talked on subjects of personal importance, ranging from civic engagement and creativity to environmental concerns. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at or (765) 455-9411.
