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Programs
Annual events are held campus wide throughout the
academic year for students. The activities are sponsored or co-sponsored
by The Office of Multicultural Affairs, student organizations, and various
University and community offices. The community is welcome to be a part
of many of the events. Knowledge is power and information is key as we
unite to build a better community. Join us as we come together to celebrate
and appreciate the different cultures of the campus community.
• Orientation Reception
(Summer)
An informal reception held during orientation for students of color
and their parents or guests. Students are introduced to the services
that are available to them through The Office of Multicultural Affairs.
This gives incoming freshmen the opportunity to interact with current
students and learn about their campus experiences.
• Multicultural Expo (September)
An event held early in the fall semester welcoming all students of
color to campus. Incoming students get an opportunity to interact
with student organizations and learn about services campus wide. They
are able to meet and talk with current students, faculty, and staff.
The expo provides students the opportunity to acquire more information
about services and campus resources through displays and introductions
from various departments and student organizations.
• National Hispanic Heritage Month (September)
An observation of the Hispanic culture. A celebration to bring students
together to learn about the Hispanic heritage through music and dance.
Salsa and Merengue lessons are given by professionals and students.
To keep students entertained, Latin music is provided by Brim Leal
and Randy Sanderbeck. Giveaways and educational booths with trivia
questions are setup for students to participate and unite.
• National Disabilities Awareness Month (October)
A celebration held to educate and enlighten students of the accomplishments
of individuals with disabilities. Activities and informative display
areas are setup throughout the month. The events are an opportunity
for students to reflect and open their hearts and minds to others
that face everyday challenges.
• Gay and Lesbian History Month (October)
During this month we celebrate the history and culture of the Gay
and Lesbian community. The AIDS memorial quilt was introduced to the
campus to unite students emotionally and discuss an issue that effects
us globally. Many programs and educational booths are displayed to
bring about a change and open the minds of individuals.
• Monster Mash Halloween Party (October)
A costume party held for students during the week of Halloween. There
are door prizes, giveaways, and lots of candy. Karaoke is open for
students to show off their singing abilities. The most creative students
are awarded prizes for best costume.
• Homecoming Comedy Show
The Comedy Show is one of the biggest events held during the week
of Homecoming. The comedians that have performed have been featured
on Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) “Comic View”, Home Box Office’s
(HBO) “Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam”, Comedy Central’s “Comic Groove”,
and Showtime’s “Jamie Foxx presents LAFFAPALOOZA”. Some of the comedians
that have been introduced to campus are Joe Clair, Big Sean, Lav Luv,
Gary Owen, Nard Holston, Redbone, Shawty Shawty, Roland, Ms. Sylvia,
Double D, Shang, and Small Frie. Students get the opportunity to receive
autographs and meet the comedians.
• Native American Heritage Month (November)
A tribute held to mark the contributions made by the Native Americans.
Students are brought together through music and dance, storytelling,
giveaways, and educational booths. The Raven Rock dancers from Cherokee,
N.C. were invited to perform native dances from their tribe and students
were encouraged to participate. Ramona Moore Big Eagle performed the
art of storytelling with the use of artifacts and delighted students
with a sample of native food. The program is established to unite
students and educate them about a different culture.
• Multicultural Fashion Show (November)
This event is to enlighten the student body and the community about
the various cultures represented on campus. Over 25 countries and
cultures are represented in the program through poetry, music and
dance, and traditional attire. Students modeled tradition garments
from cultures other than their own. The diversity of the show is reflected
in the models who are either students or members of the community.
Through the use of fashion, the audience is educated and entertained.
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration (January)
The celebration is a commencement ceremony that honors the legacy
of Dr. King. The day is dedicated to a community Unity Walk reminiscent
of the one that took place in Alabama during the Civil Rights movement.
A tribute program follows with powerful interpretations of memorable
speeches, inspirational selections by The ETSU Gospel Choir, and a
candlelight ceremony presented by the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc. For a man who gave so much, we take this day to take
time out and show our understanding and appreciation.
• Black History Awareness Month (February)
An enlightening month long celebration held to commemorate the African
American culture. Films are viewed and discussed, plays are produced,
and lecturers are brought in to provide students with an understanding
of the accomplishments and struggles of the African American people.
This provides students with the opportunity to unite and interact
as they learn more about the African American heritage.
• Multicultural Career Fair (February)
An event in which businesses come from surrounding states to recruit
students of color for employment. Students are given a chance to network
with recruiters and provide them with their resumes. This is an excellent
opportunity for students of all classifications. This is a great place
to start when seeking employment within your major.
• National Women’s History Month (March)
The successes, inventions, writings, record-breakings, and accomplishments
of women are commemorated during this month. The Woman and her impact
on the world are celebrated through film discussions, lecturers, and
educational booths. From the struggles to the victories, we have been
honored with so much from the sensational female we take this month
to gather and show appreciation.
• Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (April)
A tribute to the history of the Asian and Pacific American. Programs
and activities are offered throughout the month to observe and celebrate
their culture. Japanese majors and faculty from the Foreign Language
Department instruct activities such as Origami and calligraphy. Join
in the festivities as we honor the many attributes of the Asian and
Pacific American.
• Unity Picnic (April)
A campus wide picnic is held to bring all students together to unite
through good food, great music, and various activities. Students are
given the chance to socialize and come together as a campus community
once more before the end of the academic year.
• Guest Lecturers
A variety of speakers are brought in throughout the academic year
to share their experiences with the campus. Lecturers play an important
role in the growth of the student body. Our speakers have included:
writer and teacher Nikki Giovanni, author James McBride, poet, journalist,
and hip hop historian Kevin Powell. As well as AIDS activist Rae Lewis
Thornton, a restavec, Jean Robert Cadet, and educator Dr. David Swoope,
Jr. have spoken to the student body. These are only a few of the many
speakers that have empowered our campus community. Students have the
opportunity to become enlightened and develop a well-rounded view
of the many issues dealing with society.
• Plays
A variety of plays are offered throughout the year as an element to
educate and entertain the student body. Some of the uplifting, educational,
and hilarious productions students have performed are “Tennessee Roots:
A Musical Celebration”, “One Race, One People, One Peace”, and “1001
Black Inventions”. Students wrote and directed the play “A Journey
through Black History”.
• Dances
Several dances and parties are held throughout the year to give students
the chance to socialize and unite. Different types of music from a
collection of artists are provided to entertain all students. An annual
semi-formal dance is held in the spring semester and area colleges
and universities are invited to attend.
Send mail to mcstaff@etsu.edu with questions or comments
about this web site, or for more information about listed programs and
events.
Last modified: June 2, 2004
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