activity is FIU’s graduating—in record numbers by national standards—well-prepared minority scientists, teachers, nurses, engineers, social workers and others who will have a profound impact on the United States of the 21st century. Understanding that diversity refers to more than just hues of color, countries of origin and ancestral roots, FIU has sought to promote greater knowledge and respect by giving forum to a multiplicity of beliefs. A recent illustration: The second visit to FIU of His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet in September 2004, at which time we saw again the power of one man’s convictions to draw us together in affirmations of universal peace and love for humanity.

One lesson to be learned from the fine examples of diversity’s positive influence that we have witnessed at FIU: Bringing together people with unique backgrounds ultimately generates dramatic sparks of originality and new concepts to effect meaningful change. In harnessing the collective genius inspired by the integration of disparate individuals, we are building a reality in which diversity is the impetus to achieving the best.

The time has come for “diversity”—sometimes derided as a buzzword—to take its rightful place in the American mindset. More than simply making its way into the popular lexicon, diversity must foremost inform our thinking before it can properly inform our actions. After all, the history of our nation confirms a movement toward a moment in which the openness inherent in the concept of diversity will prevail.

At Florida International University, we are embracing this ideal and have borne many of its rewards already. Our students represent a variety of backgrounds: more than 60 percent are Hispanic or African American, and thousands more join us each year from 100+ foreign countries around the world. This inclusive mingling of cultures with the amorphous, ever-changing notion of mainstream American culture has resulted in compelling classroom discussions and thoughtful exchanges of ideas. These have taken concrete form in provocative student essays and literary works and, additionally, have served as the driving force for a variety of cross-cultural academic research and artistic collaborations, as well as meaningful friendships. A larger consequence of all this