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    World & Culture

    Life, liberty and the pursuit of diversity

    By Daniel Oppenheimer, College of Natural Sciences
    Published: May 19, 2011

    Biology major Shannon Allport is a champion of diversity on campus.

    She is, among other things, a student government representative on President Powers’ Student Advisory Council, an employee in the Office of the Vice President for Diversity & Community Engagement, a past president of Multicultural Students in Natural Sciences (MINS), and the former chair of the College of Natural Sciences Aspire! Banquet.

    Alongside all this public service, however, there’s also a more personal story of what “diversity” means to Shannon. This audio slide show, featuring images from university photographer Marsha Miller, is a glimpse into that story.

    • Quote 2
      Lesley Riley said on May 20, 2011 at 11:49 a.m.
      Shannon, you are definitely a UT trailblazer! It has been such a delight to get to know you. Thank you for all you do for the students of UT.
    • Quote 2
      Mary Kessler said on May 20, 2011 at 3:21 p.m.
      Shannon is an excellent example of the traits that a Longhorn should possess. I am proud to have worked with her and wish her the best in her future endeavors.
    • Quote 2
      Jim said on May 22, 2011 at 10:43 a.m.
      Shannon is not a champion of diversity. She is a champion, period. Her success had nothing to do with her race. It has ALL to do with her hard work. She faced the same problems many American kids face. Since we have had civil rights laws on the books, and affirmative action to help even the playing field, minority students have had plenty of opportunity to excel. Some say even more so out of political correctness. Let's stop defining success by race, and give credit to another hard working AMERICAN, Shannon Allport.
    • Quote 2
      kate said on May 23, 2011 at 1:47 p.m.
      @ Jim Affirmative action and civil rights were implemented to help level the playing field for minority students. Their existence, however, does not mean that minority students have had ''plenty of opportunity to excel'' because believe it or not, discrimination is still alive and well in our society.
    • Quote 2
      Gerri Henderson said on May 24, 2011 at 9:18 a.m.
      Great job, Shannon. Keep up the good work! You make all of us proud.
    • Quote 2
      Ashvin Patel said on June 21, 2011 at 2:40 p.m.
      I met Shannon at the parent summer orientation on June 13th. She did an excellent job in providing valuable information about UT and She has shown an enthusiasm to help out during our parent summenr orientation.

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