LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Lock Haven University has been awarded two Diversity Grants from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education for 2008-2009.

Albert W. Jones, assistant to the president and director of social equity at LHU, commented on the importance of these grants to the university. He said, “Continued support from the PASSHE office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs enables LHU to embrace and uplift diversity through the campus and local community. This support strengthens LHU’s commitment towards campus diversity and promotes a friendly and welcoming educational environment.”

The Multicultural Orientation Program, under project director Kenneth Hall, has received a grant of $6,000. The program is designed to provide a series of systematic events and programs that enable students to successfully transition into the academic, social, and cultural environment at Lock Haven University. Hall, director of human and cultural diversity at LHU, said, “It has long been my belief that true orientation is not accomplished in a one or two day orientation event, but it can and should be done through a comprehensive, multi-faceted orientation process beginning at the time of admission and continuing throughout the entire first year. It is my hope that this program can be a step toward such an experience for multicultural students.”

The LGBT Scholarship and Leadership Forum, under project director Frederick Schulze, has received a grant of 5,000. The Forum will offer a system-wide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender scholarship and leadership forum for faculty, staff, students and allies. The Forum will offer a keynote speaker, poster sessions, workshops and presentations. Leaders from throughout the Commonwealth will be invited to present programs on LGBT concerns. Schulze, associate professor in the department of health science, said, “The Forum will increase collaboration among campuses, strengthen research skills, increase faculty-student engagement, promote faculty discovery, and increase leadership skills among students.”

“Both of these programs,” said Albert, “are cornerstones in LHU’s mission of providing a global perspective to the students as they make their way through their educational careers.”