Diversity
Festival of Nations: Traveling through food
The Festival of Nations event gives students and community members a trip across the world without leaving Vermillion–and it’s done all through food. “People cook from their heart and they can share their culture,” said Anita Shrestha, president of the USD International Club, whose annual potluck-style event featured dishes from 35 countries, including Pakistan, India, […]
Dances of Universal Peace provide a place of spirituality at Vermillion library
Once a month people come together in the Vermillion library to celebrate peace through music, inclusiveness through connecting with one another and spirituality in whatever way they may view it. Dances of Universal Peace happen all around the country, but Steve Miller, a dance leader in training, started Vermillion’s dances last May. “They are meditation […]
A night of elegance: African Night
The annual African Night was held by the African Student Association (ASA) in the Muenster University Center (MUC) ballroom Sunday and embraced the theme of African elegance. The event showcased the cultural diversity of Africa and served authentic food such as Ethiopian Tibs, South African Simosa, and Nigerian Jollof Rice and showcased a performance from […]
Liz Skye unbottles stories of MMIWG2 with ceramics project
Art comes naturally to Liz Skye. Whether she’s creating ceramics, painting or reciting her original spoken word, “art is synonymous with life.” Skye is an indigenous woman from Sioux Falls, S.D. who grew up in Wisconsin. She is a senior studio art major with an emphasis in ceramics at USD. She said she’s been interested […]
Students and faculty gather to ring in the Asian Lunar New Year
The MUC ballroom buzzed with sounds of celebration and traditional Asian music Tuesday night. Filled with smells of authentic Asian cuisine, the Asian American Student Association (AASA) rang in the Asian Lunar New Year. Every Lunar New Year, the AASA, in partnership with the Center for Diversity and Community (CDC), holds this event to honor […]
Transgender Awareness Week: students share stories
This week starts Transgender Awareness Week. The Volante interviewed three transgender students, all from South Dakota, to speak about their experiences and how their trans identity affects their lives. William Kayser William Kayser, senior criminal justice major, said that growing up in Sturgis, SD he was masculine so when he transitioned it wasn’t an issue for those […]
Diwali represents celebration of lights
The Muenster University Center (MUC) Ballroom was transformed into a room full of warmth, lights and colors at the annual Diwali celebration. Diwali is usually organized by the Asian American Student Association (AASA) but this year, they teamed up with the Center for Diversity and Community (CDC) and the International Club to bring this holiday […]
Political science professor specializes in identity politics, elections
Political, passionate and positive, Julia Hellwege stays true to her ideals. Hellwege, an assistant professor of political science, can be seen everywhere from the classroom to the Vermillion City Council. “I wanted to be a professor since I was seven,” she said. “I never really thought about the politics part. I never thought I would […]
CDC celebrates four-year anniversary
The Center for Diversity and Community (CDC) celebrated its four year anniversary at a first Friday luncheon. Students and faculty shared lunch in the CDC to celebrate its beginnings and look forward to its future with new leadership and opportunities for growth and improvement. Teagan McNary, senior political science and criminal justice double major, reflected […]
Native Student Services prepares for Native American Heritage Month
Indigenous women face murder rates at 10 times the national average. Four of five Native women are affected by violence. Homicide is the third leading cause of death among this population. November is Native American Heritage month, a time of year when Native American heritage and culture are celebrated, this month also sheds light on the issue […]