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University of the Rockies was honored with a 2011 International Innovations in Diversity Award by Profiles in Diversity Journal. The magazine ranked University of the Rockies as second internationally, above companies like Sodexo, Wal-Mart, New York Life, Marriott International and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

University of the Rockies was the only college or university to make the list.

The University was recognized for a three-tiered approach to diversity that includes raising consciousness about the impact that differences can have on a system; equipping people with the skills to respond to differences; and shaping systems to align with differences.

“Diversity at University of the Rockies means we encourage individuals of all cultures and experiences to seek higher learning opportunities and to learn from one another. We define diversity by the difference we make in people’s lives,” said the Rockies director of diversity, Dr. Amy Kahn.

As part of its diversity efforts, the University initiated a Mix It Up to Make a Difference program. Modeled after the Southern Poverty Law Center’s National Mix It Up Day, University of the Rockies hosts quarterly lunch events where participants are encouraged to mix and mingle with people from different departments.

“The outcome has been tremendous. Attendees form valuable connections as a result of these activities,” said Kahn.

This past year, the Diversity Task Force that Kahn leads took the concept a step further on National Mix It Up Day. After a presentation about the importance of looking beyond the surface, Task Force members visited San Diego city schools during lunch to encourage students to sit with people they didn’t know. University of the Rockies’ team members initiated conversations and used question cards to keep the dialogue flowing.

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