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Program tackles broad spectrum of diversity issues

April 8, 2008

KALAMAZOO--Two performances exploring such issues as gender and race, boss-employee relationships and treatment of people with disabilities is on tap for the 10th annual Respecting Differences event April 15-16 in Chenery Auditorium.

This year's program is titled "Beyond the Nine to Five" and features Dr. Michael Fowlin, better known as "Mykee" to his audiences. Fowlin, both an actor and doctor of clinical psychology, brings to life the stories of eight employees in many workplace settings. He transforms himself into both male and female characters to address gender equity, race relations, supervisor-supervisee relationships and the treatment of those living with disabilities.

Performances are 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, and 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, and are free and open to the public. Parking is available behind the auditorium, located at 714 S. Westnedge Ave.

The program is part of the "Respecting Differences" lecture series, a communitywide collaboration to heighten awareness of diversity issues in the workplace. The series is sponsored by Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Community Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, the cities of Kalamazoo and Portage, Kalamazoo County, Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Human Resources Management Association.

Fowlin previously appeared at the 2006 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Diversity Day with his presentation "You Don't Know Me Until You Know Me," which was targeted to student audiences. Audience members at KVCC were so impressed with "Mykee" that several urged the Respecting Differences team to consider him as a future speaker. Organizers are excited to bring Fowlin back to Kalamazoo with his new topic aimed at adults in the workforce.

For more information, call WMU's Felicia Crawford at (269) 387-3635 or Marte Cole with the city of Kalamazoo at (269) 337-8478.

Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu

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