Laura Bucio
Staff Writer

People gathered in the President’s Dining Room Tuesday to remember and celebrate Mary Prieto-Bayard, co-founder of the Coalition of Diversity, who died a year ago.

About 25 people celebrated the life and remembered the contributions of Prieto-Bayard to the University of La Verne.

“Mary embodied the spirit of diversity,” said Assistant Professor of Religion and Philosophy Richard Rose. “She lived diversity.”

Prieto-Bayard was involved with many programs that help promote diversity on campus. Some of the programs she was involved with include the First Generation Student Success Program and the Minority Faculty Search Committee.

“She was determined to have everyone around her realize diversity,” Rose said.

Prieto-Bayard was very concerned with diversity, not only at the student level but at the faculty level.

Faculty and attendants spoke about the kind of person Prieto-Bayard was and what kind of effect she had in their lives.

“Mary was a process person, she taught me not to focus on outcomes alone,” said Glenn Gamst, professor of psychology.

Attendants enjoyed a lunch while remembering Prieto-Bayard. Guests also enjoyed the performance of the West African Drum Ensemble who played a few songs. After lunch those present moved on to the north lawn of the Hoover building and enjoyed the music of “Trio Los Compadres” as a tree was planted in honor and remembrance of Prieto-Bayard.

Daniel Loera also mentioned the possibility of creating a scholarship in Prieto-Bayard’s honor.

“This will give us the opportunity to continue to tell the story of Mary,” Loera said.

Laura Bucio can be reached at laurab2003@hotmail.com.