A Welcome Message from Dr. Alison Munsch, Chief DEIB Officer

Academic Year 2023-2024

Dear Returning Students, Transfers, Esteemed Faculty, Staff, and, most enthusiastically, the newest members of our community: our incredible incoming Freshmen Class,

Today, with boundless excitement and an overflowing heart, I welcome you as your Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Officer to our vibrant campus, a place where diversity isn't just a word in our mission statement; it's a living, breathing, and thriving reality.

Together, we are embarking on a journey of growth, learning, and transformation. Our campus is not just a place for academic excellence; it's a place where we celebrate differences and cultivate inclusivity. Your presence here is a testament to our commitment to diversity in all its forms, whether it's cultural, ethnic, religious, racial, gender, neurodivergent, and more.

I encourage you to embrace this academic year with open arms and open minds. Please seek out opportunities to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, engage in meaningful conversations, and challenge your own perspectives. In doing so, you will not only enrich your own lives but also contribute to a more inclusive and equitable campus community. Please visit the DEIB website often, as well as the Diversity Events Calendar, to find ways to engage.

As your Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Officer, I am here to listen, to learn, and to support you in your journey. Together, collectively and collaboratively, we will create an environment where every individual feels valued, heard, and empowered to be their authentic selves. Iona University strives to be a place of belonging!

As we embark on our classes, discussions, and activities, let us remember that this very week aligns with a momentous event in our nation's history—the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, culminating in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Let’s remember the courage and vision of those who marched on Washington on August 28, 1963, demanding racial equality, civil rights, and economic justice. Dr. King's inspirational words in his “I Have a Dream” speech continue to resonate with us today, serving as a reminder of the progress we've made and the work that still lies ahead. Let us reflect on the power of unity, the strength of a collective voice, and the importance of justice and equality for all. Dr. King's dream wasn't just his alone; it's a dream that belongs to each one of us, a dream we must uphold and fight for in our own lives and communities. Click here to listen to or read the speech in its entirety!

So, welcome all back to a campus that thrives on diversity, welcomes inclusion, works to champion equity and strives to be a place of belonging. Your presence here is a step toward a brighter, more harmonious future. Let's make the most of this incredible journey together. Thank you all for choosing to be a part of the Iona community, and let's make this academic year a positive one to remember!

Sincerely,

Dr. Alison Munsch
Chief DEIB Officer
Associate Professor, LaPenta School of Business
amunsch@iona.edu