The “Annual Welcome” of the Ohio University Division of Diversity and Inclusion’s Mix & Mingle Event Series will take place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the Pleasant Hill Vineyards in Athens. President M. Duane Nellis will deliver his welcome remarks around 5:30 p.m.

Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Gigi Secuban expressed her enthusiasm for the Mix & Mingle Event Series.

“Creating a formal system to encourage the formation of employee resource groups on campus is an important facet of diversity and inclusion on campus,” Dr. Secuban said. “I’m excited that we can officially launch the groups this year in an ongoing collaboration with the OHIO Human Resources team.”

Pleasant Hill Vineyards, which is located at 5015 Pleasant Hill Road, Athens, OH 45701, offers some of the finest culinary experience along with the one of the best sunset views in Athens County. Light appetizers and a non-alcoholic beverage option will be provided by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion. Limited parking is available, so carpooling is recommended. 

The 2019-20 kickoff event “Annual Welcome” is part of a series of diverse networking and engagement opportunities for the community. The events provide inclusive and fun ways for the University community to meet new colleagues, build interdepartmental relationships and facilitate a strong community atmosphere in Athens. 

“This year’s annual welcome kicks off a series of events designed to engage new and existing faculty and staff and connect them with various affinity organizations and communities around campus,” said Nick Wortman, OHIO director for Human Resources. “Creating opportunities for networking and community-building is key to retaining a diverse workforce.”

All OHIO employees are welcome to attend. Information of future programming is forthcoming with two or three events planned each semester.

For planning purposes, please RSVP at https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4VniwONIsNVx69D by Friday, Sept. 6. 

More information on the Diversity and Inclusion Mix & Mingle Event Series can be found at: www.ohio.edu/diversity/mix-mingle