One of Australia’s most inspirational speakers will be the guest at this year’s University of Queenland’s Diversity Week celebrations from May 15-19.
At age 19 Perry Cross broke his neck in a football accident and was left a quadriplegic, but since that day he has confounded the experts to achieve more in the past 12 years than most people do in a lifetime.
Mr Cross will share his experiences on being one of the first quadriplegics in the world to attend university and gain a degree and what motivates him to keep striving for success.
Mr Cross will be the guest speaker at the Vice-Chancellor’s Equity and Diversity Awards to be held at the UQ Centre on May 19.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Hay, will present a $5000 individual award and a $10,000 group award to people who have made a significant contribution to equity and diversity at UQ.
Diversity Week was introduced in 2003 to promote diversity within the UQ community and to encourage more improvements to work and study environments.
This year will be the fourth Diversity Week, which is held annually by the University to increase understanding about issues such as cultural, linguistic and religious diversity, disability, sexuality, gender, family and carer responsibilities, racism and Indigenous Australian history and culture.
This year’s Diversity Week runs from May 15 to 19 under the theme “World of Difference”.
Events including forums, lectures and tours will be held around UQ’s St Lucia, Ipswich and Gatton campuses.
UQ’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Michael Keniger, responsible for equity matters, said diversity was one of the University’s great strengths.
“The student and staff populations of UQ are highly diverse,” Professor Keniger said.
“Different cultures, races, religions, world views, languages and points of view contribute to the richness of work and life at UQ, and benefit us all.
“Diversity represents what universities are about – understanding ideas and interpretations of the world around us, both cultural and natural.
“The awards acknowledge the great work already going on to enhance diversity, and help provide support for the individuals and organisational units that contribute to diversity at UQ.”
Visit the Diversity Week website www.uq.edu.au/diversity-week/ for more information including all event details.
Media inquiries: Andrew Dunne at UQ Communications (3365 2802).
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