Auburn University’s Research Initiative for the Study of Diversity sponsored a conference called “Understanding Differences that Matter,” last Wednesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 30 at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center. The diversity research faculty have been pioneers in doing research in the field of diversity.

The two featured speakers at the conference were Dr. Patricia Arredondo of the University Of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and Dr. Elijah Anderson of Yale University.

Five Auburn faculty members were also honored as recipients of the Distinguished Diversity Researcher awards. Toni Alexander, Conner Bailey, Michael J. Clay, Juan E. Gilbert, Robin Sabino, and Marilyn E. Strutchens received the awards.

Sandy Pouncey, an information technologist for the College of Agriculture, was in attendance at the conference.
Pouncey said she came to the conference for many reasons including the fact that she is on the College of Agriculture’s Diversity Committee, she is a student advisor for the Auburn Native American Association, and she also does work with the Multicultural Center.

She added that the subject of diversity is a very personal one for her, as she has a gay son.

When asked why it is important to do research in the field of diversity, Pouncey replied, “It is to understand people’s differences and learn to respect them.”

Pouncey stated, “I’m really, really excited about what I can learn today and like everything else, whatever you put into it, you’ll take away more.”


Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village