The Wilson School hosted its annual Students and Alumni of Color Symposium this weekend, examining "Rising through Education: Forging Paths to Leadership, Scholarship and Community Engagement."
The opening address was given by Earl Kim GS '93, superintendent of Verona, N.J., public schools, who said he feared too much federal control over education and criticized President George W. Bush's "No Child Left Behind" program.
The symposium also featured welcoming remarks by Wilson School Dean Anne-Marie Slaughter '80 who outlined her commitment to diversity, citing an increase from eight to 13 female faculty members at the Wilson School during her tenure. However, she said she was concerned that the number of faculty members of color has not changed.
The symposium — run by Wilson School graduate students — has been in existence for nine years. This year, 34 graduate students — 31 of whom are first-year students — helped to organize the symposium. Fatema Gunja GS '06 and Gillian Morejon GS '06 were the symposium co-chairs.
Typically, 30 to 40 alumni and 50 to 60 students attend the symposium, Gunja said.
"I come whenever they ask and I am able . . . it has given me so much. I want to give something back." Bonilla is currently the assistant director of school health services in Philadelphia," Louis Bonilla GS '93 said.
The Wilson School program focuses on connecting students with alumni. On Saturday, there was a mentorship reception during which students met one-on-one with alumni to discuss issues of diversity, to network and to make friends. The night ended with a social.
"Our goal is to foster lifelong relationships between current students and alumni so that students learn what sort of issues they will face after graduation," Gunja said.
After the symposium, Gunja said she plans to produce a publication that will outline the successes of the symposium and maintain a discussion on issues of diversity.
The symposium provides up to $500 in airfare and one night at the Nassau Inn for returning alumni.
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