IEE Events

Overview

World Diversity Day at Governors State University is a dialogue-rich, day-long experience celebrating cultural diversity, pluralism, and collective well-being. Through panel discussions, breakout sessions, reflective activities, music, and community dialogue, participants will explore themes of racial healing, wellness, restorative justice, and public health.

Attendees may earn a digital badge, micro-credentials and continuing professional development credit while engaging in meaningful learning and connection. The Community Resource Fair will feature local partners, including a Kidney Screening and Vaccination Clinic, offering opportunities to support personal and community health.

Come for a conversation, stay for transformation - join us for a single session or immerse yourself in the full day of dialogue, discovery, and action.

Event Schedule

Doors Open

Time: 8 a.m
Location: Sherman Hall and Hall of Governors

Continental Breakfast Available (RSVP Required)

Time: 8:30 a.m
Location: Sherman Hall Atrium

Research & Resource Fair, Kidney Screening, Vaccine Clinic

Time: 9 a.m – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors

Opening Why Dialogue Matters Now (RSVP Required)

Time: 9 – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Sherman Hall
Speaker: Dr. Joi Patterson, Chief of Institutional Engagement and Excellence

Cultural Perspectives on Care, Restoration, and Community Panel Discussion (RSVP Required)

Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Sherman Hall
Facilitated by:

Joyce C. Ester, Ph.D.
President – Governors State University

Dr. Constance Edwards
Health Perspective

Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins
Mental Health Perspective

Father Michael Pfleger
Spiritual Perspective

Dr. Edward Valandra
Indigenous and Restorative Justice Perspective

Break + Research & Resource Fair

Time: 10:30 – 11 a.m.
Location: Hall of Governors

Concurrent Dialogue Sessions

Time: 11 – 11:45 a.m.
Location: Various Classrooms

Spoken Word, Community Lunch & Table Dialogue

Time: Noon – 12:45 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Featuring:

Amber Whitted

Concurrent Dialogue Sessions

Time: 1 – 1:45 p.m.
Location: Various Classrooms

Break + Research & Resource Fair

Time: 1:45 – 2:15 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors

From Dialogue to Commitment: A Call to Collective Action

Time: 2:15 – 3 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Speaker:

Dr. Candace Smith
Assistant Professor of Educator

Break + Research & Resource Fair

Time: 3 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors

Free Kidney & Diabetes Screening

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: D1496
Must be 18 years or older
Walk-ins are also welcome

Please go to our website mobilescreening.nkfi.org/preregistration to pre-register and complete your questionnaire prior to screening!

• • Blood pressure
• • Blood Glucose*
• • HbA1c for diabetics
• • Body mass index (BMI)
• • Waist circumference
• • Urinalysis**
• • Blood draw (if necessary)
• _{*Fasting not required}
• _{**Urine sample will be required}

Talk about your results with a health care professional and receive a copy of your test results same day.

For more information, contact the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois at (312) 321-1500 or nkfi.org.