There have been a lot of “firsts” this academic year as Piedmont transforms from Piedmont College to Piedmont University. This year’s Diversity Day is one of the “firsts.”

“Diversity Day was created by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council (DEI) to celebrate the diverse nature of both the Demorest campus and the Athens Campus,” said Bill Gabelhausen, professor of theatre and director of events for the DEI Council.

The DEI Council has been around for a couple of years and is made up of faculty, staff and students. “We have been doing good things as a council, but we were never really visible on campus,” said Gabelhausen. “A couple of members of the council came up with this idea to get our names and faces out there, so people can know that we are there for them as a resource and can help them.”

The event’s main goal is to spread awareness of and celebrate the diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment of Piedmont University. Student clubs and organizations will participate at each event with the goal of getting information to a wide array of students and faculty. There will also be giveaways of T-shirts, notebooks, pens, cups, etc.

“We want this to be an annual event for a long time,” said Gabelhausen. “This is allowing everyone to see that we as a council are here for them.”

“Diversity Days” takes place on Thursday, Feb. 17, from 10:30 am until 1:30 pm in the student commons on the Demorest Campus of Piedmont University, and Tuesday, Feb. 22 on the Athens campus.