The University of Pennsylvania Libraries is pleased to announce a gift of $100,000 from William C. Park (‘89) and Jung Choi to fund a five-year lecture series dedicated to exploring topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA). The Park-Choi DEIA Lecture Series Fund supports the Penn Libraries’ commitment, articulated in its Strategic Plan 2020-2025, to contribute to local and national movements to address societal inequities. The plan details four strategic priorities supported by an ongoing investment in building the organization’s capacity and learning, and informed by a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

“In building deep and distinctive collections, preserving knowledge, and increasing access to it, the Penn Libraries has the ability to inspire, to offer hope, and to change people’s lives,” said Constantia Constantinou, H. Carton Rogers III Vice Provost and Director of the Penn Libraries. “As we move forward with our strategic plan, this generous gift bolsters our commitment to create and sustain a living and learning environment that is truly transformative, safe, and welcoming for all.”

Mr. Park and Ms. Choi are excited to support a lecture series that will address the many forms of institutional racism. Reflecting on events of the last year, Park notes, “The Black Lives Matter movement and more recent wave of anti-Asian hate crimes have made a deep impression on me and raised the need for more education and discussion on racial inequality and social justice.” 

The lecture series will be open to Penn staff, students, and faculty, and the general public. “The Penn Libraries’ educational resources are second-to-none,” says Park. “It’s important to offer as many programs as possible to as wide a community as possible.”