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The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance program has named University of the Rockies a “Mix It Up” Model School for its exemplary efforts to foster respect and understanding among its students and throughout its campus during the 2010-11 school year.

University of the Rockies is one of 52 schools from across the country to receive the honor.

“We are delighted to recognize University of the Rockies,” said Maureen Costello, director of teaching tolerance at the Southern Poverty Law Center. “Mix It Up Model Schools have found innovative ways to create a school environment where respect and inclusiveness are core values. They serve as examples for other schools hoping to instill these values.”

Mix It Up Day is a simple call to action. By asking students to move out of their comfort zones and to connect with someone new over lunch, the event encourages students to identify, question and cross social boundaries. Last year, more than 3,300 schools took part. 

On National Mix It Up at Lunch Day in 2010, faculty and employees who work at University of the Rockies’ headquarters in San Diego visited three primary schools during lunchtime where they engaged students and facilitated meaningful conversations between the students.

The cafeteria at the University’s San Diego headquarters also hosted its own Mix It Up lunch that day. Marcia Jackson and Dan Johnson, University of the Rockies doctoral students from the school’s Colorado Springs campus, attended the events and discussed the importance of forging connections to build communities.

In 2010, University of the Rockies also held several Mix it Up events at its campus in Colorado Springs. There, the events doubled as a school supply drive benefiting Community Partnership for Child Development.

“These events are incredibly important to our University,” said Dr. Amy Kahn, director of diversity for University of the Rockies. “They offer a platform for learning and giving. Our faculty, staff and students work together, get to know one another, and help the community. It doesn’t get much better than that.” 

The 2011 National Mix It Up at Lunch Day will be October 18, and will mark the 10^th anniversary of the program.

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is a graduate school specializing in master's and doctorate degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org), classes are offered online and at the University's Colorado Springs, Colorado, campus. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.

About The Southern Poverty Law Center

The Southern Poverty Law Center, based in Montgomery, Ala., is a nonprofit civil rights organization that combats bigotry and discrimination through litigation, education and advocacy.