SMITHFIELD, R.I. ― When individuals and private corporations decide to give to colleges and universities, they often earmark their donations to the library, athletics and academic departments.
But a recent $1.35 million gift to Bryant University from PwC, the world’s largest accounting firm, to support diversity initiatives focused on student scholarships and leadership development, has redefined philanthropic giving. The hefty donation is part of the university’s historic capital campaign.
In February, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at the private university, located about 15 miles from Providence, was renamed after the professional services firm. Founded in 1863, Bryant has long emphasized both business and liberal arts training.
“You don’t often see this kind of investment in a diversity center,” says Dr. Mailee Kue, executive director of the PwC Center for Diversity and Inclusion at Bryant. “Symbolically, this sends a very positive message and encourages other companies to think about diversity issues.”
As colleges and universities continue to grapple with how best to create inclusive and diverse campuses, many institutions have not set aside the requisite dollars for training, programming and other initiatives designed to make marginalized groups feel more comfortable.
Many minority students say they, too, want the university to be more attuned to their concerns. The university recently formed a number of focus groups around the topic of diversity and student leaders not long ago met with President Ronald K. Machtley, who pledged his commitment to working with them to foster a spirit of inclusiveness on campus.
“My role is to really make sure there is open communication between students and the administration and student and faculty,” says Kue, a seasoned diversity practitioner who has worked in the field for more than two decades. “We are actively working on ways to assess students, faculty and staff feelings about the climate on our campus.”