News from the Hilltop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 16, 2012

Ana Lejava selected as 2012-13 Diversity Delegate at Birmingham-Southern College

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Ana Lejava, a rising senior from Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, is the newest Southern Diversity Delegate at Birmingham-Southern.

Lejava will represent the student body on issues and concerns related to diversity and multiculturalism. She was selected by a panel of judges made up of her peers.

A political science and dance double major, Lejava will use her increased visibility to promote cultural learning, an appreciation of individual differences and values, and an understanding of how ethical choices promote peace and prosperity in a society. She received a programming budget and stipend to support her work.

"As Southern Diversity Delegate, I plan to encourage open dialogue through a series of Hilltop community gatherings to discuss a variety of diversity-related topics," she stated. "Each month, beginning in September, I will work with BSC's Sklenar Center for International Programs to invite a Fulbright scholar from a foreign country to campus to present a topic, which will be followed by questions and answers. Each presentation will last for approximately one hour and will be documented on video and made available on the Southern Diversity Delegate Facebook page—giving the campus community a forum to express their views and ideas."

The Southern Diversity Delegate works cooperatively with the college's Office of Multicultural Affairs to sponsor cultural programs, promote community building, and help facilitate cross-cultural understanding. In this role, Lejava also serves as chair of the Multicultural Advisory Committee and will assist with its biannual newsletter, Perspectives, as well as the coordination of the "Free Food for Thought Series" and Diversity Week activities this coming fall and spring. In addition, she will be a part of BSC's new Diversity Enrichment Team, beginning this fall.

Lejava is a strong advocate for student involvement outside of the classroom. She has served as secretary of the college's United Nations Association and is a member of the Coalition of Human Dignity, Love Asia, and Global Gatherers student organizations. She also is on the service team of BSC President Gen. Charles C. Krulak.

Before attending Birmingham-Southern, Lejava studied at the prestigious Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C., on a full ballet and academic scholarship, and performed for several years in professional dance venues in the North.