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Diversity and representation will be topics addressed by a Portland-based industry professional during the upcoming commencement ceremony for the University of Oregon‘s College of Design.

Nate McCoy, executive director of the Oregon chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors, will return to his alma mater Monday; he received a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the College of Design in 2004. He plans to emphasize purpose, passion and inclusion in his address while relating his personal experiences working in construction.

鈥淚f you value diversity, equity and inclusion, allocate the necessary time, attention and resources to pursue it,鈥� McCoy stated in a press release. 鈥淧ay attention; know what matters to people.鈥�

McCoy will also speak about the design industries often lacking racial and ethnic diversity.

鈥淭he College of Design gave me a rude awakening that the profession I am so passionate about was highly underrepresented with people of color,鈥� he stated. 鈥淭hese experiences have shaped me into who I am today and the work I do in empowering the next generation of designers to think more critically about diversity, equity and inclusion in all we do.鈥�

Despite sometimes feeling isolated in a mostly-white program, McCoy stated the university itself was always a helpful force in moving him toward a professional career.

鈥淭he professors I had were truly there to encourage and support my growth and development towards getting my degree and advancing my future career in architecture,鈥� he stated.

The College of Design commencement ceremony will take place Monday at 4 p.m. on the Knight Library South Lawn.