Smashing through stereotypes and anything else that gets in his way, Mark Zupan, star of the 2005 documentary “Murderball,” will speak at several events during the University of Central Florida’s 18th-annual Diversity Week.
A paraplegic since age 19, Zupan is the captain of the U.S. quadriplegic rugby team, an accomplished author and a motivational speaker. He will discuss “Smashing Stereotypes” at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, in the Pegasus Ballroom of the Student Union. The event is free and open to the public.
The theme for Diversity Week, which begins Monday, Nov. 1, is “A Nation of Nations.” Events include an African dance class, film screenings and discussions on Ecofeminism, Amnesty International and Global Citizenship. Matisyahu, an American Hasidic Jewish reggae musician, will perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday at The Venue.
The week will begin with the annual Diversity Breakfast. This year’s speaker is Lee Bitsoi, the Minority Action Plan Program director in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School.
Bitsoi has dedicated his career to enhancing opportunities for minority students. He directs a recruitment plan for minority students in genomic sciences at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels. The Diversity Breakfast is sold out, but it can be viewed live online.
Diversity Week activities will continue through Friday, Nov. 5.