Arkansas State University Multicultural Center Newsletter
Volume 1 Issue 5 May 2013
“Not just a Space, but a Place for ALL!” StAte Connection: Connecting High School Juniors to ASU
O
n Wednesday, April 25th, the ASU Multicultural Center in collaboration with the Office of Recruitment brought 135 high school juniors from 27 schools in Arkansas to its annual StAte Connection Minority Recruitment Program. StAte Connection is an exciting and informative one-day program that connects students to the university in the following areas: admissions, financial aid, academics, residential life, campus resources, and student life.
Career Management Center, Student Support Services, Counseling Center, and Learning Support Services. The event concluded with a campus tour
I enjoyed learning about ASU in a fun and interesting way, but what I truly enjoyed was getting to know the "real" Red Wolves; and what was really great about it was that they looked like me! When I lived in California, I didn't really see many African-American students in the colleges and it got me down, so I didn't see myself as a college The criteria to participate include t having a 3.0 or higher grade point student, but I realized that I could be a college student and graduate average, be a high school junior matriculating in a college preparatory from the institution,” said Simone Stokes from Jonesboro High School. curriculum, and should be an ethnic minority student. “I had a great time at StAte Connection. It was really exciting to learn more about ASU and interact with current students. I’m definitely The event provides informational sessions about the admissions going to attend ASU,” said Janay Hatcher from Newport High School. process, financial aid, residence life, and campus life. There is an Academic College Fair where students have the opportunity to interact StAte Connection is held each spring. For more information on the and learn more about the various academic colleges from faculty program, please contact ASU’s Multicultural Center at 870-680-4052. members along with information from other departments such as the StAte Connection Participants and ASU Student Leaders and Staff
2012-2013: A Year in Review of the MC! The Multicultural Center has had an exciting year! From August to May, there were events for all to attend and enjoy. Take a look at some of our highlights! Non-Traditional Student Minority Welcome Week (September) Students got an in-depth experience of the different minority student organizations on campus and heard from motivational speaker Joshua Fredenburg. The week is filled with programs and activities that promote diversity at ASU. It helps freshmen with their transition to college.
Hispanic Heritage Month (October) The month-long celebration included an art exhibit by Maria Villegas, a Hispanic mixer, a service project, an evening in tribute to Hispanic heritage, and movie nights.
~ Fall 2012 ~
Motivational Speaker Joshua Fredenburg
LGBT History Month (October) LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Month was a celebration of the LGBT community through a series of events including, National Coming Out Day, educational seminars, and lecture series speakers.
Hispanic Heritage Tribute speaker Carmen Kingston, Senior Director of Sam’s Club.
Non-Traditional Student Appreciation Week (November 4th-7th) The week was filled with activities and events that catered to Non-Traditional and Commuter students. It included Game Night a filming of the movie “Brave”. The Live and Learn series included Non-Trad Concerns and Study Skills.
and daughter during Game Night
Student panel during LGBT Month event
Multicultural Center Graduation Reception (December) The Multicultural Center recognized December minority and Non-traditional student graduates during an intimate ceremony. The event also included information about joining the ASU Alumni Association and Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter.
All photos courtesy of the ASU Yearbook
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2012-2013: A Year in Review of the MC!
~ Spring 2013 ~
Dancer from Dallas Black Dance Theater
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration (January)
ASU Student serving food at Strong-Turner Alumni Soul Food Dinner
The annual MLK Celebration was a time for people to celebrate the memory of Dr. King and his legacy. ASU and the community of Northeast Arkansas celebrated this year with a march over the Marion Berry overpass. The celebration also included a dance performance by the Dallas Black Dance Theater and a candlelight vigil. This year’s theme was “The Dream Still Lives.”
Living Legend Award Recipient Mrs. Gina Gomez and Arkansas First Lady Mrs. Ginger Beebe
Black History Month (February)
Garbo Hearne gives lecture on Kevin Cole’s work
Spring Fling 2013
This year marked the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. The theme was “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality.” The celebration included a month-long art exhibit by Arkansas native Kevin Cole, Tribute to Black History with former CNN news anchor TJ Holmes, the annual Gospel Explosion, and several events hosted by the ASU Museum, the Black Student Association, and the Fowler Center. Women’s History Month (March)
Children of Non-Trad Students on inflatable at Spring Fling
ASU Student giving tattoo at Spring Fling
Saturday, April 13th, the Non-Trad Spring Fling was held inside and outside the ASU Red WOLF Center. The day included inflatables, games, food, tattoos, face painting and more. There was something to do for everyone! Residence Life partnered with the Office of Non-Traditional Services for this annual event. There were t-shirts and other giveaways. After the event, some families attended the ASU Spring Game at Liberty Bank Stadium.
Join the Non-Traditional Student Organization today! Email
nontraditional.asu@gmail.com
Follow NTO on Facebook!
The month-long Women’s History Month Celebration was packed with programs that honored women in various disciplines. From an art exhibit entitled “Venus Gaze”, to a lecture by Janis Kearney, the Multicultural Center showcased how women have made an impact in history and continue to do so today. The month concluded with the Women’s Conference and luncheon where Mrs. Gina Gomez, Executive Director of the Hispanic Community Services Center, was given the Living Legends Award. The keynote speech was given by the First Lady of Arkansas, Mrs. Ginger Beebe.
Strong-Turner 3.0 (April) The Strong-Turner Freshman Scholars and Achievement program recognizes African American students who have a 3.0 or above. This year’s speaker was ASU Alumnus Mrs. Roxie Hannah-Browning. The program was followed by a reception held in the Multicultural Center.
Nontraditional Student with her daughter on inflatable at Spring Fling
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MC Ambassador Spotlight!
Name: Asma Alrowaiei Classification: Junior Major: Human Resource Management Hometown: Saudi Arabia
I
have always been passionate about being around people and helping them as much as I can, and being a Multicultural Center Ambassador has made it easier for me. It has allowed me to be more helpful, and it has opened many doors for me to be around people.
college, get involved on campus, and to reach out to other students. It has also provided me with leadership experience. The Multicultural Center ambassador program helps in communication and networking skills that I'm sure will be vital to my future career path. I have been able to develop all these skills being in a comfortable environment with my peers. That is empowering. I am excited to continue working with the Multicultural Center and am definitely ready to leap into the fall semester. Being in the Multicultural Center itself has given me a chance to learn about other cultures, religions and races! I consider this as one of the most precious experiences that I have had, and I am so pleased that I got this chance.
Good luck on finals and congratulations to the May 2013 graduates! We hope that everyone has a safe and fun summer!
Next Newsletter Issue: September 2013
Being an ambassador, is a great opportunity that helps to represent the
Minority Student Organizations
Black Student Association Join Today! Brother 2 Brother Circle of Trust Gay Straight Alliance Hispanic Outreach & Latino Appreciation Multicultural Center Ambassadors Non-Traditional Student Organization Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter
The Multicultural Center congratulates our Graduate Assistant Meelviss Torres who will be receiving a Master of Accounting on May 11th! We thank her for her hard work and wish her the best in the future!
Multicultural Center Summer Hours*
CONTACT US
Monday—Friday 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
Carl R. Reng Student Union 3rd Floor Suite 3003
*Summer hours effective 5/13/13—8/16/13
Niya Blair Director Multicultural Center
Candence Williams Program Coordinator Multicultural Center
Meelviss Torres Graduate Assistant Multicultural Center
870-680-4052 Email: astatemc@astate.edu Visit our website
Book your next event in the MC! 3