September 19, 2008

Forum explores future of race and immigration

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A forum on ways to recognize and tap into today’s diverse society is set for next week at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

“The Future of Race and Immigration in America: Where Are We Headed,” is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 23, in SIUC’s Student Center Ballrooms.

The panel discussion is part of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute’s fall 2008 schedule. Diversity Forums, in association with the Barat Education Foundation through the Marguerite Green and Joan L. Coffey Speaker Series, are co-sponsors.

Forum speakers include the Rev. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr., senior pastor, Emory United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C.; Raj Jayadev, executive director of De-Bug, Silicon Valley; Robert S. Kallen, visiting professor in the Department of Economics at DePaul University and founder of RSK Strategies, LLC; and Arlene J. Mayzel, vice president and dean, Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.

“It is essential that we forthrightly address issues, such as race and immigration, that too often divide Americans,” institute Director Mike Lawrence said. “It is equally important that we discuss them with civility and candor. That means considering the perspectives of others, cutting through stereotypes and avoidingmisrepresentations and emotionalism. I expect this forum to provide keen insights and a highly useful model for what I hope will be an ongoing dialogue.”

Admission is free, but registration is required for meal considerations and seating is limited. To register, contact institute project coordinator Christina Rich at 618/453-4078 or by email at clrich@siu.edu. Due to the high interest in the event, the institute has extended the registration deadline to noon, Monday, Sept. 22.

“The primary goal of the panel discussion it to promote dialogue on controversial issues surrounding race and immigration policy in a safe and nonjudgmental environment,” Kallen said. “Secondarily, we will discuss the impact of the November elections on these issues and our national policies.”

Mayzel said she also expects gender issues will surface during the panel discussion, as well, particularly with the only seven weeks away.

Kallen established Diversity-Forums.org, has taught for more than 20 years, and is a recipient of the 2007 Daniel Seiden-Adjunct Teaching Award and the 2002 Distinguished Faculty Award from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. A former vice president of operations and general counsel for a private-label cookie manufacturing company, Kallen’s firm, RSK Strategies, LLC, provides expertise and capital to small and growing companies specializing in the food and education sectors.

Kallen worked on the 1992 Clinton/Gore transition team for economics, and served as a legislative assistant in 1982 for the late U.S. Sen. Paul Tsongas, D-Massachusetts.

Mayzel has more than 25 years experience in higher education, and has been with Lake Forest Graduate School of Management since January 1997, including the first eight years as a faculty member. Prior to her January 2007 promotion as vice president and dean, Mayzel held three associate dean positions, and served as dean of the school’s MBA program.

Before joining Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, Mayzel served as a tenured faculty member at Rosary College, now Dominican University, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in accounting and marketing.

Mayzel earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rosary College, and an MBA from Roosevelt University. She is also a graduate of the Corporate Coaching Program, Corporate Coach University International.

Daniels is senior pastor of a 400-member, multiethnic congregation he has served for the last 14 years. Under Daniels’ stewardship, the church received the Denman Award for Outstanding Evangelism in 2004, and the Kim Jefferson Award in 2001 for effective urban ministry, both from the United Methodist Church. Emory United Methodist Church is one 25 churches representing a “Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century” initiative in the denomination.

Daniels earned a doctor of ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2000. He is a 1991 graduate of the Howard University School of Divinity, and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public communication, psychology, and journalism and public affairs, from The American University.

Jayadev is the founder and executive director of Silicon Valley De-Bug -- a nationally recognized leader in youth media and community organizing. PBS profiled his organizing work in the documentary “Secrets of Silicon Valley.” Jayadev is also a writer for New America Media, and provided radio commentary on National Public Radio.

Founded in 2000 prior to the sale of Barat College in Lake Forest to DePaul University, the Barat Education Foundation continues to develop and support educational programs reflective of the college’s values. Barat College closed in 2005. Jeanne Hurley Simon, the late wife of former U.S. Senator and Institute founder Paul Simon, graduated from Barat College in 1943.

For more information, contact Matt Baughman, assistant director of the institute, at 618/453-4009, via email at Baughman@siu.edu, or visit www.paulsimoninstitute.siuc.edu.