CDC programs see increasing engagement
The Center for Diversity & Community has been working to provide services for students of marginalized communities for two years now, but has lately seen an increase in engagement and activity, according to
CDC officials.
“When I came in 2014 to open the Center for Diversity and Community, it was myself and two graduate assistants who were trying to get the center up and going, and get our name out there,” said Lamont Sellers, associate vice president
for diversity.
Last summer, Lena Tran was hired as the intercultural program coordinator.
“She (Tran) came in with a wealth of experience in marketing, and event planning and those types of things, as well as social media experience,” Sellers said.
Tran said the CDC has had an increase in turnout for different events.
“I think the reason we have had more attendance and more participation is that we value the students that are in the center,” Tran said. “I think when you value people, they are more likely to engage, to feel important and to want to
do something.”
Tran said she believes diversity is a hard topic for people in this area, but she said people should be taking steps towards it and not away from it.
“Vermillion doesn’t look like the world, it’s important that we provide experiences for students, staff and faculty, all over campus to engage in events and programming (about other cultures),” Tran said.
Tran said the CDC provides programs that will help students be successful in the professional workplace by making them better at working with others.
“This center is an investment in a lot of students’ futures,” Tran said. “This is where we can learn about each other’s differences”
The CDC celebrated Día de los Muertos on Monday night. The Diwali Festival of Lights, on Thursday, is the next big event for the CDC. The Diwali Festival of Lights is one of the most important holidays in Hinduism, which celebrates the victory of light over darkness.
“We’re going to have a few speeches. We’re also going to decorate it how Diwali is usually decorated in Indian homes,” said Roma Trivedi, an international student from Kenya who is participating in the event.
Tran said the CDC is open to all.
“We have our doors open to everybody,” Tran said. “We’re here to learn about each other.”
“We have our doors open to everybody,” Tran said. “We’re here to learn about each other.”
