Westminster Bastian Diversity Event: The Inclusive Nature of the Outdoors

About the Bastian Foundation Diversity Lecture Series

The B. W. Bastian Foundation sponsors Westminster University's Bastian Foundation Diversity Lecture Series. The Foundation, established in 1996 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Bruce W. Bastian, strives to build community and understanding by supporting local and national institutions. Financial support is directed to educational outreach, cultural and HIV/AIDS programs. A strong commitment is placed on programs and organizations that benefit, encourage, and preserve the rights of individuals and promote equality for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community. This diversity lecture series is one of the University's most stimulating and thought-provoking initiatives that reflect its commitment toward the active and critical engagement of timely and relevant issues of diversity and inclusion.

2024-2025 Series Theme

The theme for the 2024-2025 B.W. Bastian Foundation Diversity Lecture Series is "The Inclusive Nature of the Outdoors: The Earth Belongs to All." This theme highlights the connection between people and their natural environments, emphasizing how social and cultural backgrounds and personal experiences shape this relationship. Westminster University, with its unique location in Utah, renowned for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, coupled with a strong emphasis on outdoor leadership and education, aims to use this theme to raise awareness about issues and opportunities related to access, inclusion, and belonging in the environmental sphere. The goal is to promote everyone's health and well-being.

Moderator

Kirsten Johanna Allen, Co-Executive Director, Publisher, Co-Founder, Torrey House Press

Panelists

Stacie Denetsosie, Fiction Writer/Poet

Maria Estrada, Ph.D. Vice President, Metropolitan Group | Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging

Richard Ferguson, MD, MBA, Founder, Black Physicians of Utah

Kellie Gerbers, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Outdoor Education and Leadership, Westminster University

Sponsors

• B .W. Bastian Foundation
• Zions Bank
• B W Productions

Attendance is free.

For disability accommodations, please email [email protected] at least five (5) business days prior to the event. ASL interpretation will be provided.

Host or Publisher Westminster University DEI Office