Inclusiveness and community building held the spotlight Nov. 20, as Pullman leaders gathered before the University’s week long break to consider strategies that will create a more inclusive Washington State University in the spring semester.

Led by CEO of ICB Productions Deryl G. Hunt and his Ellison Model designed to increase diversity in society, the dinner aimed to unite student leaders and administration to further create a community that accepts all members, forgoing stereotypes and historical biases.

His model, which he created more than 20 years ago, outlines the process that makes a community inclusive to all its members.

Interim WSU President Dan Bernardo joined Whitman County Judge Doug Robinson, CEO of the WSU Foundation John Gardner, administrators from several colleges, and an assembly of student leaders to discuss ways to make WSU more inclusive.

Members of the Associated Students of Washington State University (ASWSU) were also in attendance, including President Kyle Geiger and several senators.

Nearly 50 of these local leaders enjoyed a dinner catered by celebrity chef Jay Harvey. Organized by the Women’s Empowerment Program and ASWSU, the groups wanted to create a community setting in the dinner itself.

The program began with the showing of a student-made film which documented an incident wherein a student was verbally assaulted because of their race earlier this year.

The events led to action from school administration, which Davina Hoyt, who works in WSU’s diversity education program, said led to her being hired.

“I’m here as a result of this,” she said, referring to the racial incident.

Sebatian Kalilikane, ASWSU’s director of diversity efforts, who helped conduct the event, was encouraged to see the group of leaders come together.

“The level of support and attendance from faculty, administrators, and students was outstanding,” he said. “I believe we all received Dr. Hunt’s words with open hearts and open minds, and we engaged in a positive discussion around how we can implement his inclusive community building model here on campus.”

Freshmen Delegate Harald Hyllseth was glad the group was brought together, and felt it was a step in the right direction.

“It was an amazing experience that brought together many people who truly want to see positive change happen here,” Hyllseth said.