SUNY Canton Opens Center for Diversities and Inclusion

Canton, NY (04/24/2017) — SUNY Canton held a grand opening for its Center for Diversities and Inclusion April 20.

The center will serve as a home for an array of services and programs, such as diversity events, sensitivity training, student leadership development, mediation, tutoring, advising and advocacy.

"At SUNY Canton, our motto is 'Everyone is Welcome Here,' and the establishment of this center exemplifies our commitment to that philosophy," said President Zvi Szafran. "We're determined to be the place where everyone knows about and celebrates the diversity within our community, our state, our country and our world."

After a blessing by spiritual leader and member of the Mohawk Bear Clan Thomas R. Porter, college and SUNY representatives spoke about the importance of a space that ensures inclusivity and celebrates different ethnicities and cultures.

SUNY Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer Carlos N. Medina was on hand for the event and congratulated the entire community on the achievement.

"As our national discourse becomes increasingly polarized, some groups may feel under attack and isolated," said Medina. "With the creation of this center, the campus can assist diverse populations by creating safe spaces - and what I also like to call 'brave spaces' - that educate through compassionate behavioral modeling."

Funding for the center was provided in part by Sen. Patty A. Ritchie.

"We're grateful for Senator Ritchie's continued support of SUNY Canton and, specifically, this center," said Szafran.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service and recently received number one rankings in library resources, library services and tutoring services in the SUNY Student Opinion Survey. The college's faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 13 exclusively online bachelor's degrees. The college's 15 athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level and are conference members of the newly formed American Collegiate Athletic Association.

-www.canton.edu-

Media Attachments