Letter to the Editor: April events celebrate diversity
As we approach the end of the academic school year, the USD President’s Council for Diversity and Inclusiveness encourages you to attend one of the many events celebrating USD’s diverse community.
On April 5 at 12 p.m., the Center for Diversity and Community will host its final First Friday of the academic year. This free lunch event is an opportunity for the campus to come together in the Center for Diversity and Community and get to know its diverse populations while enjoying delicious food together.
On April 6-7, the Tiospaye Student Council hosts the 47th annual Wacipi held at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. This year’s theme is “Remember the roads you have walked, never forget where you started.” It is a fantastic opportunity to experience a culture rooted in the history and tradition of this area. The grand entry begins on April 6 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Sunday, April 7 at 1 p.m. There is a traditional meal on Saturday, April 6th at 5pm.
On April 8, the 8th Annual Diversity Symposium and Workshop welcomes Che Gossett, a Ph.D. candidate in trans/gender studies at Rutgers University and an archivist at the Barnard Center for Research on Women. The event begins with a workshop at 3 p.m. in the Center for Diversity and Community in the Muenster University Center (MUC) and concludes with the symposium and lecture from 7-9 p.m in Farber Hall, Old Main.
On April 12 at 2 p.m., the Nepalese Student Association and Center for Diversity and Community host the Festival of Holi or Festival of Colors. Students will have the opportunity to discuss Nepalese culture and the meaning of the tradition in the MUC before moving outside Patterson Hall to throw colorful pigments and enjoy cultural snacks and music.
On April 22 at 6 p.m., the Center for Diversity and Community will host a Passover Seder in the MUC Ballroom. This is a free dinner event led by Dr. Michael Kruger, Dean of the USD College of Arts and Sciences, who will discuss the history and tradition of the Jewish holiday of Passover.
On April 25 and 26, the Center for Diversity and Community will host two graduation events in the MUC. On April 25 from 4-6 p.m., the Lavender Graduation will honor LGBTQIA+ and ally students and acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the University.
On April 26, from 4-6 p.m., the Center for Diversity and Community Graduation event will honor 2019 USD graduates that promote diversity and inclusion across campus.
These events are an extraordinary display of the hard work of so many USD community members. Not only do they honor the contributions of USD’s diverse students, staff and faculty, they provide an avenue to experience different cultures and identities that share and shape the world around us.
This year’s theme is “Becoming Allies and Advocates.” We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities to experience the vibrant and strong cultures and communities that make up USD.
Although this school year is coming to a close, the President’s Council for Diversity and Inclusiveness is already planning new ways the university can strengthen and support our commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence.
– President’s Council for Diversity and Inclusiveness
