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Latino issues addressed at Respecting Differences

April 7, 2006

KALAMAZOO--A free program called "Crossing Borders-Lessons of a Latino Man," will be presented at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, and at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, in Kalamazoo's Chenery Auditorium, 714 S. Westnedge Ave. The program is part of the annual "Respecting Differences" lecture series, a communitywide collaboration to heighten awareness of diversity issues in the workplace.

This year's program will last 90 minutes and be presented by Victor Rivas Rivers, a Cuban-born actor, athlete, activist and author. Rivers will tell his personal story of overcoming a violent upbringing and the challenges of cultural prejudice as well as explore new strategies for changing entrenched stereotypes and confronting divisions within the Latino community itself.

"The University is proud to co-sponsor the eighth annual Respecting Differences diversity event," says WMU President Judith I. Bailey. "I strongly encourage you to attend. The presentations have been scheduled to accommodate various work schedules and to ensure that WMU services are not interrupted."

Rivers attended Florida State University on a football scholarship and went on to become the first Cuban rookie to have a tryout with the Miami Dolphins. He was drafted in 1977 and played with the Dolphins for two years before embarking on an acting career. Since 1999, Rivers has been the national spokesperson for the National Network to End Domestic Violence. His book, "A Private Family Matter: A Memoir," recounts his own violent upbringing.

Although admission to the "Respecting Differences" program is free, WMU faculty and staff should bring to the event the postcard-sized "ticket" they received last month in campus mail. For more information, call Felicia Crawford in the WMU Department of Human Resources at (269) 387-3635 or Sue Oole in the Lee Honors College at (269) 387-3233.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
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