Pullias Center Celebrates 25 Years with Virtual Gathering

Pullias Center staff, researchers, associates, and alumni met up virtually to reminisce about the organization’s first quarter century while considering what lies ahead.

The event was originally planned as an in-person affair that, like so many things in 2020, had to be rethought in the shadow of the coronavirus.  The resulting virtual gathering benefited from the digital nature of the event by facilitating attendance for many alumni and associates from outside Southern California.

Adrianna Kezar, Director of the Pullias Center started off the proceedings with a warm welcome to all guests.  This included a brief speech highlighting the center’s evolution over 25 years and its continued focus on racial equity-related research and resources.  Dr. Kezar also announced the recipients of five special Pullias Center Alumni Equity Grants which provide $5,000 each towards research projects proposed by alumni of the center that focus on aspects of racial equity.

All alumni in attendance were then each given the floor for an opportunity to introduce themselves, share their favorite Pullias Center memories, and update the current Pullias team on where their careers have gone since their time at USC.  This was followed by each of the current Pullias Center faculty discussing their current research and ideas for collaboration with alumni and associates.

In keeping with the concept of collaboration, guests then joined small breakout groups to brainstorm ways current staff and alumni can work together towards furthering collective research goals.  The groups also took the opportunity to connect and catch up with each other more directly while telling tales of the center’s storied 25 year history.

Back together, Dr. Kezar thanked the guests for their participation, both in the event and over the years.  Also, center faculty, current students and alumni thanked Diane Flores and Moncia Raad –longtime staff members –for their on-going support of the center. Plans were made for further communications among the extended Pullias Center community.  The event wrapped up with a virtual toast as attendees collectively raised glasses from their locations all over the country.  

“It’s been a privilege to be part of the Pullias Center, first as co-Director with William Tierney who founded it, and now as director of this amazing institution,” stated Kezar after the event.  “This center’s longevity stands as a testament to the dedication of everyone who has participated in our work over the years.”