“Diversity embodies celebrating how we are different. Inclusion embraces our diversity by bringing our unique skills together as one powerful resource. Inclusion creates a respectful, nonjudgmental environment of involvement, connection, and collaboration where different perspectives allow teams to excel in innovative ways. Penn State strives to be a global community.” — Fran Pahlevani, Associate Professor of Mathematics
“Diversity represents an opportunity to learn. We are all so unique, and our differences make us even more beautiful and valuable to those around us. Inclusion represents hope for a day when labels are obsolete, and we are all just people.” — Robin M. Burgess, Office of Continuing Education
“In my opinion, being from a different background should not affect whether we can be one big Penn State family. Diversity is what makes Penn State unique and one big cultural melting pot. Here at Penn State, diversity is never rejected but accepted with open hands. WE ARE!” Ashish Baby, senior
“Before I attended school here, I never knew how much I would enjoy getting to know my peers and how much I would appreciate its diversity. As Michel de Montaigne said, ‘There were never in the world two opinions alike, any more than two hairs or two grains. Their most universal quality is diversity.’ ” Diana Cristancho, sophomore
“Diversity is the foundation of American development. My favorite entrepreneur is Steve Jobs, whose biological father was a Syrian who immigrated to the United States. A great nation doesn’t throw people out of the country but accepts everyone to help improve the quality of everyone’s life. This is what will make America great again.” Ahmad Alhaddad, senior
“I believe that realizing our differences is our path to overcome all kinds of racism. What makes America great is not its economy or educational system; what makes America great is the people with their diversity and acceptance of each other." — Mostafa Shabaka, sophomore
