Campus News

Westminster College Announces B. W. Bastian Foundation Gift

Foundation underwrites 2009-10 Diversity Lecture Series

Contact: Krista DeAngelis (801) 832-2682
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2009

SALT LAKE CITY-Westminster College announced today that the B. W. Bastian Foundation has renewed its sponsorship of the college's diversity lecture series. The 2009-2010 Bastian Foundation Diversity Lecture Series will offer a forum for students, activists, professionals, and community members to share their knowledge and ideas on diversity issues. The theme of this year's series is "What Can I Do? Can One Person Make A Difference?" The foundation supported the diversity lecture series last year, and previously supported other diversity-related initiatives at the college.

"The Bastian Foundation is honored to sponsor the diversity lecture series for another year," said Michael Marriott, executive director. "We are pleased that Westminster is committed to promoting equality for all and exploring the power that everyone has to improve the human condition."

The lecture series will highlight achievements of individuals who have made a significant difference in striving for social justice by forming an organization or movement. It will focus on what individuals can do to eradicate societal isms such as classism, racism, sexism, heterosexism, and ageism, as well as discrimination issues based on immigration status, religion, national origin, and other backgrounds. The first lecture on Monday, September 28, 2009, will feature Margarita Alcantara, a community activist and advocate for Filipina/Asian Pacific Islander, lesbian, gay, and feminist communities.


"I am delighted that the Bastian Foundation is supporting such an important component of Westminster's diversity efforts," said President Michael Bassis. "The diversity lecture series helps promote Westminster's core value of respect for diverse people and perspectives. I am most grateful to the Bastian Foundation for their continuing support."

For more information on other lectures in the series, visit www.westminstercollege.edu/cultural_events.

About Westminster
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster's unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information, visit www.westminstercollege.edu or follow WestminsterSLC on Twitter.


About the B.W. Bastian Foundation
The B.W. Bastian Foundation strives to build community and understanding by supporting local and national institutions. Financial support is directed at educational outreach, cultural and HIV/Aids programs. A strong commitment is placed on programs and organizations that benefit, encourage, and preserve the rights of individuals and promote equality for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community.