24
May
2021
|
12:19 PM
America/Chicago

UHD President's Message: Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month

UHD President Loren J. Blanchard

Dear UHD Community,

Take a moment to consider our world without diversity.

Diversity is represented in everything around us. It creates the freedom of choice and opportunity, adds vibrancy and invigorates the world in which we live.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and UHD is honored to celebrate the immeasurable contributions that this community is making at UHD and in our city, state and nation.

There’s not a single day that we don’t read, see, or hear about racial strife through every accessible medium. It’s an unfortunate and constant reminder of the lack of understanding and the acceptance of our differences, which deserve the courtesy of human kindness and respect.

Each one of us is born into a family that embodies a culture that is our legacy or heritage, which shapes who we are as individuals. I want to share a few words from one of our fellow UHD Community members, Tuyet “Snow” Huynh, about the power of heritage.

“Heritage never disappeared, it lives on in all of us and all that surrounds us, invisible and visible. It is my mentor, evident in my character, my attitude, and my progress. It is the heirloom for the next generation. Pass it on!”

The UHD Community is extremely fortunate to live in the most diverse city in America and work at the most diverse university in the region that is home to many scholars whose work is making a difference worldwide, as well as our staff who work diligently to enhance the academic experiences of our students’ pursuit of their dreams and aspirations.

As an institution of higher education, we must remain steadfast in our dedication and commitment to learning and celebrating the necessity and beauty of diversity. And indeed, we must remain committed to passing it on.

Sincerely,

Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D.
President, University of Houston-Downtown