Committed to diversity
Armando Bengochea, Dean of the College Community
Before I came to Connecticut College, I spent 30 years as a student and administrator at three Ivy League universities, all known for their diversity. But what I find different and exciting here is that diversity is not taken for granted. We are actively building diversity every day.
As Dean of the College Community, I oversee the areas that involve student life, co-curricular activities, internships, and other forms of support to the academic program. I'm also the College's senior diversity officer, and it's my job to hold us to our own standards for building diversity and help us articulate what diversity means to us as a community. In all our doings, in all our committees, in all our venues, we are reflecting how to better organize ourselves to benefit and build diversity.
We have many challenges. But this is a place where small numbers of active, committed students, faculty and staff can have an enormous impact. You'll be supported by a Dean of Multicultural Affairs, a Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life, a professional staff in Student Life and Unity House, and peer groups such as ALANA Brothers and Sisters and House Diversity Coordinators.
Study after academic study now confirms that the environments which comprise and nurture the most expansive diversity by race, class, gender, sexual orientation and religion are the environments where the greatest student learning takes place. Liberal arts education is enhanced and must take place where there is a clear institutional commitment to diversity. You'll find that commitment at Connecticut College and many opportunities to be part of making it happen.