Steps are Underway to Form a Graduate Black Student Union

The development of a Graduate Black Student Union (Grad BSU) has been a long-time coming. Students met in April with Diana Honorat, assistant professor, Occupational Therapy, and other Black faculty and staff to kick off the formation of the new student organization. 

Dr. Honorat coordinated the Tots & Thoughts dinner to discuss the needs of Black students while in graduate and professional school programs, and how a Grad BSU could help support those needs. At the gathering, students said they feel isolated and are eager to form a community with other Black students and supportive faculty and staff.

Students, faculty and staff will have another opportunity in early June (at a date yet to be determined) to explore culture within the greater Portland community. If you identify as a Black graduate or professional student and would like to stay in the loop, please don't hesitate to contact Professor Honorat at dhonorat@pacificu.edu. Faculty, staff and allies are also welcome to be part of this planning process.

Photo courtesy of Diana Honorat
Front row, left to right: Vyshika Willis, OHSU therapist, Diana Honorat, Alex Brown OD '24, Bianca Adams-Gregory SLP '24
Back row, left to right: Uchendu Iwuanyanwu OT '23, Lance Crawford, OHSU counselor, Paul Snell, assistant professor, Politics & Government, Maia Mckenzie OT '25, Anita Zijdemans Boudreau, director, Pacific School of Learning and Teaching