By: Hannah Sgambellone ~Copy Editor~

Love may have been in the air for some last Tuesday, but many others discovered a wealth of business connections and networks. On Feb. 14 the Career Development Office and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion joined together to host the 11th annual Diversity Reception in Cintas Center.

This event, which served as a precursor to the Spring Career Fair, offered a chance for a diverse group of students to connect with businesses.

The networking event also welcomed featured speaker Jamahal Boyd, the Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Language Services for TriHealth, who encouraged students and alumni alike in their quest for employment, whether they searched for an entrylevel position or a professional mentorship.

The Diversity Reception served as a platform not only for students but also for businesses seeking to meet quotas for diverse employment options. Many businesses throughout the area looked to Xavier for candidates with strong, well-rounded resumes and the skills needed to flourish in the business world.

Not only was this event beneficial to the students for employment, but it also helped to open up conversations about diversity of race, gender and sexual orientation and the importance of these topics.

In the ever-changing political atmosphere of today, businesses were encouraged and reminded of the strength found in a diverse employment and the benefits of multiple viewpoints. Students were also provided with a safe place to seek diverse employment and opportunity.

Student organizational sponsors included: Alphi Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, Autism Speaks, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, International Business Association, LGBTQ Alliance, Resident Student Association, Student Activities Council, Student Nurse Organization and Student Veterans of Xavier.

Corporate sponsors for the event included BB&T, Tri-Health, CDK Global, General Electric, Western & Southern Financial group, Fifth Third Bank, Macy’s, Luxottica, FHLB Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation, Cintas Corporation, The Cincinnati Insurance Companies, Enterprise, Mercy Health and the Ohio Society of CPA’s.