PRSSA’s Public Interest Committee partners with the university to make a difference

The ” What can I do to make a difference wall” encourages students to express their views on diversity and inclusiveness.

By Alyssia Gilchrist-McPherson
Staff Writer

The Public Interest Committee (P.I.C.) has partnered with the Department of Communications and the College of Arts & Humanities to host an interactive art installation Dec. 5 – Dec. 9.
Beginning Dec. 5, the installation titled “The What We Can Do to Make a Difference Wall” is a way for the university to encourage students and the community to share their ideas on how they can make a difference to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion.
“The ‘What Can We Do to Make a Difference Wall’ provides an opportunity for students and the campus community to share their personal aspirations with the public and commitments to protect the values of diversity, equality, inclusion and beyond,” said Nancy Cheever, chair of the Department of Communications.
The installation was inspired by the success of the “Before I Die Wall” where people wrote what they wanted to accomplish before dying that was introduced to the campus by P.I.C. in spring 2016.
“I think it is important for people to actively fight [for] the change they want to happen,” said Dylan Miller, associate chair and director of public relations for P.I.C. “If you want to make a difference, go out and do something about it.”
In an effort to get the campus community engaged, student volunteers will be at the installation to provide information on different community organizations and other ways to get involved.
“I want to commend our communications students for their leadership in promoting conversation and dialogue,” said Mitch Avila, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. “Toros can—and will—make a difference, both locally and globally. I encourage students to imagine a more just world and a fairer, more equitable society. And I challenge them to also imagine just what they can do to make a difference.”