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Planned for Feb. 27 through March 4, the week was the brainchild of Rachel Ruiz, a chemistry and biology major who serves as the multicultural affairs director for the Student Government Association.
“I’m super excited to have this on campus for the first time,” she said. “I pulled a lot of ideas from other Kansas universities, like Wichita State, who have had a lot of success with Diversity Week. This is a great way for organizations to collaborate to achieve the common goal of celebrating representation at Pitt State.”
Those organizations include Student Government Association, Black Student Association, Native American Student Association, Hispanics of Today, Gender & Sexuality Alliance, French Club, Spanish Club, and International Student Association.
Events include:
Monday – From 6 to 8 p.m., the “The Americas Social Mixer” will be held in the Overman Student Center ballrooms. Attendees may enjoy food, drinks, and dancing to celebrate the many cultures that unify us. The event is sponsored by the Native American Student Association and Hispanics of Today.
Tuesday — From 6 to 7 p.m., a faculty/staff diversity panel will hold a discussion in the Governor’s room of the Overman Student Center. Featured will be Associate Professor Jason Reid, Professor Ananda Jayawardhana, and others.
Thursday — From 6 to 8 p.m., the Black Student Association will hold Black History Month Trivia in the Office of Student Diversity in the Overman Student Center. All are welcome and it will give many a chance to check out the new space.
Friday — From noon to 2 p.m., the French and Spanish clubs will hold World Languages, a booth in the Gorilla Crossing in the Overman Student Center. From 6 to 8 p.m., the Gender & Sexuality Alliance will hold Kweens and Karaoke in the Office of Student Diversity for students only.
Saturday — From 5 to 8:30 p.m., the International Student Association will hold their Annual International Food & Culture Fair in the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts — an event that has grown in popularity for more than 25 years and now draws hundreds of students and community members.
Deatrea Rose, assistant vice president for Student Life and senior diversity officer, said the Office of Diversity supports the efforts of SGA.
"The events next week represent celebration, education and understanding of different identities, and experiences present on our campus,” Rose said. “These events aim to create an atmosphere that provides the Pitt State community the opportunity to explore different cultures, engage in discussions that bring new perspectives, and celebrate the presence of, and contributions made by, people of all identities and experiences.”
