For many years, UMD has been working toward the goal of building a more inclusive environment in which people from all backgrounds will accept, respect, and support one another. This environment will promote recruiting and retaining a more diverse student body.
In 1998, UMD envisioned the creation of a space in the second floor Kirby Student Center that celebrates diversity. In response to a proposal submitted by the Directors of the Multicultural Learning Resource Centers, Dr. Bruce Gildseth, the Vice Chancellor of Academic Support and Student Life, convened a committee of students and staff to begin planning a center to support and promote human diversity. In that centrally located space, a welcoming community that recognizes and honors both similarities and differences was built.