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Volume 2 Issue 2 October 2013

Arkansas State University Multicultural Center Newsletter

“Not just a Space, but a Place for ALL!”

T he Multicultural Center’s Minority Welcome Week was held September 9th—September13th. The theme, Turn Up: Taking Ultimate Responsibility Now to Uncover My Potential, was befitting as students were pumped up about beginning a new school year. The week kicked off with cookies, music, and punch on Monday, followed by NPHC 101 that evening. On Tuesday was the Freshmen Dinner. LaTasha Moore, a senior, delivered a self-written poem entitle “A New You”, dedicated to Freshmen in attendance. Other guests were ASU faculty, staff, administrators, and student leaders. Fall Explosion was held on Wednesday and featured Amir Windom, Atlantic/Sony Pictures Record Executive. Earlier that day, Amir visited with classes in the College of Media and Communication and College of Business where he

discussed his career path and keys to success. Fall Explosion also included a minority student organization fair where students learned about opportunities for campus involvement. Minority Week concluded Friday with Best Steppers where Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. won the title of Best Steppers on the Yard and a party was hosted by NPHC.

Students “T.U.R.N. U.P.” for Minority Welcome Week

Immigration Forum

T he Hispanic Month Celebration at ASU continues Wednesday, October 2nd with an Immigration Forum. The forum will feature a panel discussion on topics such as The DREAM Act, Immigration Reform, Immigration in Arkansas, and why people view immigration negatively. Panelists are Dr. Laquita Saunders, Assistant Professor of History, Gina Gomez, executive director of Jonesboro Hispanic Community Services, Inc., Sister Elaine of the Holy Angels Convent, Mireya Reith, director the Arkansas United Community Coalition, and Juan Robles, an ASU student and child of immigrants. Moderating the forum is Russell Carey, Program Associate for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.

The Immigration Forum is at 5:30 p.m. in the Carl R. Reng Student Union Auditorium. Immediately following is a reception in the Multicultural Center located on the 3rd floor of the student union suite 3003. The Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration concludes on Tuesday, October 8th with Spanish Movie Night: La Historia Official at 6:30 p.m. in the Wilson Hall Auditorium Room 211.

Graduate Assistant James Hines at Minority Welcome Week

kickoff

SGA Cultural Diversity Director Jonathan Williams

at Freshmen Dinner

Amir Windom with College of

Business students

HOLA Treasurer Natalie Lyons at the Minority Organization Fair

October is LGBT History Month

T he LGBT History Month Celebration includes a series of speakers and programs that celebrate and discuss topics concerning the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community. For a complete list of ASU events during the LGBT history month celebration, visit the Multicultural Center’s website at www.astate.edu/multiculturalcenter.

“I think it’s good to celebrate LGBT month because it shows how diverse our campus is.”

-Justin Bryles, Freshman

“I joined Gay Straight Alliance last year and I like that there is an organization for everybody. I’m

excited about the events planned for LGBT month.”

-Patience Yuille, Sophomore

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Upcoming Non-Trad Events

Family Paint Night Friday, October 18th 6:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m.

Carl R. Reng Student Union—Spring River Room

Trick or Treat with the Greeks

Thursday, October 31, 2013 4:00 p.m.—6:30.p.m. ASU Sorority Row

Grab N Go Mondays

Every Monday 8:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.

Carl R. Reng Student Union—Multicultural Center

Student Organization Spotlight: HOLA

HOLA, Hispanic Outreach and Latino Appreciation, is a student organization whose goal is to enhance and support the college experience for the Hispanic student population. HOLA fosters a sense of community among everyone that has an interest in giving support to Latin culture and providing a foundation that will ensure academic, social, and personal success at ASU. For more information about HOLA email kayla.hardy@smail.astate.edu.

Are you a Non-Trad? Find out at:

www.astate.edu/nontrad

Get information on future events and other resources

Francisco Jiménez’s book “Reaching Out” allows readers to follow the journey of a Mexican-American young man that is fighting to continue his education. Francisco aspires to escape his migrant community filled with dilapidated army barracks, and with no indoor plumbing or drinkable water. Determined to live better than his current home in Santa Maria, California, Jiménez left behind his family struggling to pay for food and rent. A powerful portion of the book includes his desperate and broken father. Despite holding memories of years of poverty and prejudice, he enters school and a world entirely different from his own. In the book, Jiménez describes typing other students’ papers at the University of Santa Clara in exchange for clothing. Throughout the text, Francisco vividly recalls memories and experiences of studying hard and being met with unexpected kindness. Jiménez also fills the book with exciting insight about the Mexican-American culture and stereotypes. He uses memories of his struggle as motivation for him to continue toward achieving his dreams and goals. Learning about different cultures can have a powerful impact on someone’s way of thinking. Anyone who takes the time to learn about the Francisco Jiménez journey will not be disappointed.

Check this book out in the

Multicultural Center!

Carl R. Reng Student Union 3rd Floor, Room 3003

Review by: James Hines

Check it Out!

Yaoska "Angy" Abaunza Vice President Senior Psychology Los Angeles, Califor-

Natalie Lyons Treasurer Senior Early Childhood Education Special Education Cabot, AR

Kayla Hardy President Senior Art Education Muskego, Wisconsin

Jennifer Ulloa Public Relations Junior English/International Studies Jonesboro, AR

Meet the Executive Board!

Bianca Garcia Secretary Junior History Monette, AR

Pictures from the Non Trad Meet, Greet and Scoop!

Non Trad Appreciation Week is November 4th—9th!

Miguel Castillo Membership Chair Sophomore Graphic Design Hot Springs, AR

Not pictured: Michelle Duran, Service Chair

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Carl R. Reng Student Union

3rd Floor Suite 3003

870-680-4052

astatemc@astate.edu

Visit our website

CONTACT US

Candence Williams Program Coordinator Multicultural Center

Immigration Forum

Carl R. Reng Student Union, Auditorium

Wednesday, October 2nd—5:00 p.m.

Safe Zone Training

Carl R. Reng Student Union, Multicultural Center

Wednesday, October 16th—12:00 p.m.

LGBT Lecture: Proposition 8

Carl R. Reng Student Union, Multicultural Center

Wednesday, October 23rd—12:00 p.m.

LGBT Lecture: What does it really mean?

Discussion on the phrase “That’s so Gay”

Carl R. Reng Student Union, Multicultural Center

Monday, October 28th—12:00 p.m.

Finding Your Voice with Charles Holt

Carl R. Reng Student Union, Auditorium

Thursday, October 17th—7:00 p.m.

Join Today! Next Newsletter Issue:

November 2013

Niya Blair Director Multicultural Center

Multicultural

Center Hours

Monday—Thursday

8:00 a.m.—9:00 p.m.

Friday

8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.

Upcoming Multicultural Center Events

Book your next event in the MC!

For information about upcoming events please call the Multicultural Center at 870-680-4052

MC Affiliated Student Organizations

Black Student Association

Brother 2 Brother Circle of Trust Gay Straight Alliance Hispanic Outreach & Latino Appreciation Minorities in Healthcare Professions Multicultural Center Ambassadors National Pan-Hellenic Council Non-Traditional Student Organization Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter

James Hines Graduate Assistant Multicultural Center