Honoring a pioneer in diversity, inclusion
(Oct. 2, 2008) Bellverie Ross learned about African American history at home as a fourth-generation Denver native. “I lived it. I learned black history before it was fashionable,” she said. Ross, assistant to the associate vice chancellor of enrollment and student engagement, was honored by the Department of Ethnic Studies Oct. 1 for her leadership in diversity and inclusion at the university and in the community.
Ross, wrapped in the traditional American Indian blanket representing the love and respect of the department, spoke to a standing-room-only group of students and faculty at the seventh annual ethnic studies open house in the Lawrence Street Center.
“I am a happily divorce woman who raised four daughters on her own,” she said, thanking crowd for their support. “I am truly blessed.”
Jennifer Williams, ethnic studies program assistant, noted Ross affiliations with Alpha Omicron Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc., a national organization of predominantly black professional/business women. Ross is also coordinator for the Senior Citizens’ Program Coordinator at UC Denver, which enables people 60 or older to take courses at the university for free without credit. Among her list of accolades, Ross has won the university outstanding staff award in 2006, 1997 and 1987.
“She created a path that we’re walking on,” Williams said. “She has changed the life of those around her.”
In addition to honoring Ross, the Oct. 1 open house was an opportunity for the Department of Ethnic Studies to celebrate where it’s been, the strides it has made and its hopes for the future. The department offers an ethnic studies minor, a certificate in cultural diversity studies and an individually structured major.
Zen Camacho, vice provost and associate vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion, said part of that future is an ethnic studies major.
“The Department of Ethnic Studies, the work it does, is so important,” Camacho stressed. “Everybody needs a place that feels like home.”