Department has grown from 15 students in 1996 to 120 today
The Department of Ethnic Studies celebrated its tenth anniversary Thursday at Koenig Alumni Center. The celebration was in honor of the advances the university has made in recognizing multicultural influences in society.
The department, which began in 1996 with just 15 major and minor students, has now grown to more than 120 declared majors and minors with almost 1,000 CU students enrolled in ethnic studies classes this semester.
“One of the beautiful things about ethnic studies is the faculty and their devotion to their students,” said Albert Ramirez, department chair. “It’s a wonderful faculty.”
Ethnic studies “provides its students with the conceptual and methodological tools to analyze the historical, political, social and cultural forces that have shaped the development of America’s diverse racial and ethnic peoples,” according to the department’s Web site.
Ethnic studies is considered to be one of the most controversial departments at CU because of its radical ideology. All members of the department were proud to be celebrating today the great accomplishments that began back in the 1960s.
It was the students who began fighting for a department like ethnic studies when they started to ask questions about the world and their place in it.
Through hunger strikes, student rallies and mass student protests, a Declaration of Diversity was signed on April 25, 1994, becoming the first major step to solidify the department.
Then on Jan. 1, 1996, the Department of Ethnic Studies was established at CU.
The crowd today enjoyed short speeches from prominent figures on the CU campus and in the department.
Chancellor G.P. “Bud” Peterson attended the celebration and said the department brings people with different perspectives together and allows the opportunity for change.
“This department helps people view things through different lenses,” Peterson said.
Todd Gleeson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, believes ethnic studies goes back farther on CU’s campus than just these past 10 years. He said the department has come a very long way and is a great example of the evolution of knowledge and creation.
“This department has helped (the) campus move forward,” Gleeson said. “I expect 10 years from now we will be celebrating other achievements.”
Ethnic studies has nine 10-year faculty, one scholarly resident and four honorary instructors. The department is hoping to grow into a master’s and doctoral graduate program within the next three years and is currently looking for two more faculty members.
Ramirez is very proud of where he stands today. He believes in his faculty and the students’ dedication.
“Our existence is due to the fact that (our) students care,” Ramirez said.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Elizabeth Stortroen at elizabeth.stortroen@thecampuspress.com.
