In an exciting press release in late September, Viewpoint with host Dennis Quaid officially announced a collaboration with Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) that will heavily publicize the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) campaign. Viewpoint is an esteemed short-form educational series that explores thought-provoking topics, shares inspirational stories, and aims to promote positive change within the education community. As previously mentioned, the show is hosted by Quaid, an American actor who has starred in films such as “The Parent Trap” (1998), “Footloose” (2011), and many others. Handpicked by the show, EMU’s DEI program will be featured in an episode that will be completed later this year to be aired on Public Broadcasting Service, as well as have a snippet aired during prime time.
“Eastern Mennonite University has been at the forefront of DEI… initiatives, striving to create an inclusive atmosphere for its diverse community,” stated Viewpoint in the news release. “The upcoming… episode will showcase EMU’s innovative work in this area, highlighting the institution’s commitment to equity, social justice, and peace.” Over the past few years, DEI has become one of the main focuses of EMU, due to the large diverse population within the university community.
“Every student and employee should feel safe, be seen, and have the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive community,” commented EMU’s Vice President for DEI, Dr. Jacqueline N. Font-Guzmán, to Viewpoint. To showcase many different aspects of this community in the episode, Viewpoint film crews visited campus on Oct. 24 for a day of recording. Throughout the morning, President Susan Schultz Huxman, Jackie Font-Guzmán, and EMU alum, Devantae Dews all gave interviews to be featured in the final product. Then in the afternoon, the campus itself turned into the backdrop for filming, putting a spotlight on nearly every area of University Commons, the Black Lives Matter Mural, and parts of Suter Science Center.
Wrapping up the day-long ordeal in a grand finale event at Thomas Plaza, crews got takes of students coming together for a musical celebration of DEI at EMU. David Berry and Ben Guerrero along with student musicians from various ensembles held a live jam session featuring pieces that talked about standing together and every person’s need for one another. While enjoying the live music, attendees were also able to get some free food off of a limited menu from the Mashita food truck. This was a big hit among students, because who doesn’t love free food with a side of DEI? Additionally, those present were invited to contribute to a piece of artwork to symbolize EMU’s efforts, by weaving a piece of ribbon into a 3D “EMU” sign.
“The project we’re doing is basically like what we seek better for our community and better for the world,” commented first-year D Martin, who helped plan the event. “We intertwine all ideas so that the world can become a better place,” represented through the intertwining of each student’s ribbon. As EMU continues to be at the forefront of the DEI campaign in higher education, this collaboration with Viewpoint is a great way to make our Roar heard all around the globe. Students should keep an eye out for updates regarding the airing of the episode, as well as how EMU will continue to celebrate this monumental event.
