Student Resource Center

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth in Multicultural Programs

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As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that it’s been a remarkable year for our Multicultural Programs, full of impactful events, inspiring initiatives, and a steadfast commitment to promoting inclusivity on campus. This year has been filled with countless opportunities to celebrate inclusion, engage in meaningful conversations, and strengthen our community.



2024 Highlights

Cultural Celebrations: We celebrated a variety of cultures with events such as Fiesta Time, Pride Fair, Powwow, and the Tour of Asia, providing spaces to explore and honor diverse traditions.

Educational Workshops: Workshops like the Latinx Heritage Month Speaker Series and Trans Visibility Collages promoted cultural understanding and self-expression, encouraging deeper community engagement.

Collaborations and Partnerships: Through collaborations with groups like APO and SAC, we hosted events such as Inclusive Education and Movie Night, enhancing inclusivity in our programming.

Student-Led Initiatives: We were proud to support student-led events like the Multicultural Networking Reception and Lotería, empowering students to lead and share their cultural pride.

In addition to these accomplishments, our Multicultural Programs focused on promoting intersectional understanding, creating welcoming spaces, and addressing important social issues. These efforts have contributed to making our campus a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.



Upcoming January Events: A Vibrant Start to 2025

As we move into 2025, we’re excited to kick off the year with events that reflect the spirit of community, support, and celebration:

 




ChaTEA with MRC

Enjoy tea and snacks while exploring global tea traditions in a relaxed setting.

Date: January 16th,  MRC, 2-4 PM 

Movie (Tyson’s Run) by Counseling Center

Watch a movie and learn about resources from the Counseling Center focused on mental health and inclusivity.

Date: January 28th,  PSU 312, 3-5 PM

Lunar New Year with AAIPI

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with cultural activities hosted by AAIPI.

Date: January 29th, PSU 4th Floor, 6-8 PM

 


Looking Ahead

As we enter 2025, let’s build on the progress of the past year and continue to create an inclusive campus where every student feels valued, supported, and celebrated. Join us for these upcoming events and let’s make January a month of connection, growth, and celebration!

Pride Fair at Missouri State University

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Celebrating Love, Identity, and Inclusion

Missouri State University continues to demonstrate its commitment to inclusion by hosting its second annual Pride Fair, an event that unites students, and community members in celebrating LGBTQ+ pride. This event serves as a vibrant showcase of the university’s dedication to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all.

Make sure to mark your calendar for this year’s Pride Fair and join in the celebration of love, identity, and inclusion! October 24th, 2024 at PSU Atrium.

 

What Is the Pride Fair?

The Pride Fair is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of self-expression, identity, and community. With numerous activities, informational booths, and opportunities for students to engage with LGBTQ+ organizations, the Pride Fair offers a unique platform for education and advocacy. Attendees can meet organizations that offer resources for LGBTQ+ students.

 

Why Does the Pride Fair Matters?

At its core, the Pride Fair is about visibility. For many students, it serves as a reminder that they are seen, valued, and accepted for who they are. It’s a place where identities are not only acknowledged but celebrated. The fair develops a sense of belonging and empowers LGBTQ+ individuals by connecting them with supportive communities on and off-campus.

 

Missouri State University’s Role in Promoting Inclusivity

Missouri State University is continuously working to create a campus environment where inclusion is not just acknowledged but celebrated. Events like the Pride Fair are just one example of the university’s commitment to creating an inclusive campus for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The university’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center plays a vital role in supporting these initiatives, offering safe spaces and resources throughout the year.

 

Get Involved!

Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, the Pride Fair is a fantastic opportunity to engage with a vital part of campus culture. Every effort helps create a more inclusive environment at Missouri State University.

Meet on- and off-campus organizations that support our community, enjoy free food, and win all-new MSU Pride T-shirts and tote bags! This event is open to all and is proudly organized by Multicultural Programs.

 

Be sure to attend this year’s Pride Fair at the PSU Atrium and take part in a day filled with celebration, learning, and pride!

National Latinx Heritage Month and Fiesta Time

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What Is Latinx Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.

When is Latinx Heritage Month? 

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. It began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Johnson and was expanded to a month by President Reagan 20 years later in 1988. The month-long celebration provides more time to properly recognize the significant contributions Hispanic/Latino Americans have made in the United States.

Hispanic Heritage Month does not cover one single month but instead begins in the middle of September and ends in the middle of October. The timeframe of this month is significant because many Central American countries celebrate their independence days within these dates, beginning on September 15 with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. By aligning with these independence dates, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the resilience and determination of the Hispanic community.

Why Do We Celebrate Latinx History Month?

Latinas and Latinos have always held significant roles throughout our country’s history, dating all the way back to the American Revolution. Hispanic Heritage Month is important because it provides an opportunity to celebrate the integral part the Hispanic/Latino community has had in growing and strengthening our democracy.

Representation matters. Latinos and Latinas continue to shape our nation as business owners, activists, artists, public servants, and more. From serving in the U.S. military to being champions in the fight for civil rights, Latinas and Latinos remain strong leaders and changemakers.

It’s crucial to make sure that the contributions of the Latino community are showcased, and that Latinas and Latinos have a voice. Today, the Latino population in the United States today is over 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up 18.9% of the total population and is one of the largest racial/ethnic groups. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation for the better. 

The office of multicultural programs hosts events each year that represent the history of Latinos/Latinas over the centuries. Each school year in September, we celebrate Latinx Heritage month however, we don’t stop there. We include Latinx community focused events throughout the school year beyond the month of September. This helps to continue the conversations and celebration of those apart of the Latinx community every day, not just during Latinx Heritage month.

Upcoming events:

FIESTA TIME

Join the Office of Multicultural programs and URSI for our annual event: Fiesta Time! A fiesta is a celebration and derives from the Latin word festus, which means “festive, joyful, or merry”.  Enjoy a fabulous night of dancing, authentic catered food, and celebration of heritage! This event will take place on September 23rd from 6-8 pm in PSU Ballroom East. We hope to see you there!

Women’s HERstory Month Blog

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Women’s History Month is celebrated in March and it’s an annual celebration to recognize the accomplishments, contributions, and historical significance of women. From pioneers in science and technology to trailblazers in arts and activism, women have shaped our world in remarkable ways. 

 

Women’s History Month began as National Women’s History week, a local celebration in California. Organizers chose to start on March 8: International Women’s Day. A consortium of women’s groups then petitioned Congress and the White House in support of a national Women’s History Week. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter designated the first National Women’s History Week by Presidential Proclamation. Again, the week of March 8 – 12, 1980 was chosen to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8. The following year Congress authorized Women’s History Week to begin the week of March 7. Congress continued to pass resolutions designating Women’s History Week for five more years, until 1987, when they established that all of March would be celebrated as Women’s History Month.

 

This Women’s History Month, we encourage you to celebrate the strength, compassion, resilience, and assertiveness that makes women and their stories unique. Let’s honor the diverse and powerful spectrum of qualities that define the incredible women shaping history. 

 

Throughout March we’re highlighting and celebrating the achievements of women on campus and within our communities through the events listed below:

 

Disability Awareness Panel, 1st, MRC, 1-2 PM

Listen to our panelists discuss their lived experiences of being disabled on Zero Discrimination Day. 

Women’s History Month Speaker, 5th, PSU Theatre, 7-8 PM

Join us for a mystery speaker that will be revealed by SAC closer to the day-of event. Free food will be offered. Sponsored by SAC & MRC!

Interfaith Panel, 7th, MRC, 6-7:30 PM

Hear from peers about their experience of faith and spirituality. 

Finding Peace Circle, 19th, MRC, 3:30-5 PM

Join us with MSU’s Sister Circle for journaling and meditation. Supplies will be provided. 

Game Night, 20th, MRC, 6-9 PM

Come and play card and board games while enjoying our free ice cream bar. We can’t wait to see you there!

Trans Visibility: Self-Concept Collage, 25th, MRC, 2:30-3:30 PM

Let’s create a self-concept collage about who you are! Supplies will be provided. 

Cha-TEA Time, 27th, MRC, 2-4 PM

Partnering with MSU’s URSI Latinx, Mexican Hot Chocolate and tea will be offered! Pop into the MRC for some new beverage delights and snacks and say hi to the MRC staff!

 

Let’s celebrate their achievements, uplift their voices, and continue to strive for gender equality every day!

Office of Multicultural Programs Secures Grant to Advance LGBTQ+ Initiatives 

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[Springfield, 02/22/2024] – The Office of Multicultural Programs is delighted to announce its recent success in securing a grant through Springfield Black Tie, a prominent local organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives through impactful fundraising efforts that benefit both local and national charities. 

The grant, totaling $25,500, represents a significant milestone for the Multicultural Programs office. This financial support will be instrumental in bolstering ongoing LGBTQ+ initiatives and further enhancing the inclusivity of the existing programming. 

Dr. Nina Barudzic, head of Multicultural Programs, expressed her pride in the accomplishment, highlighting that this marks the first time the office has applied for a grant. The successful acquisition of the Springfield Black Tie grant underscores the dedication and competence of the Multicultural Programs team and demonstrates the unwavering support received from university leaders. 

The funds from this grant will be strategically utilized to expand and fortify the LGBTQ+ initiatives already in place, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive environment for all members of the university community. 

 

About the Office of Multicultural Programs: 

The Office of Multicultural Programs serves the cultural competence and education needs of students through our programs and initiatives such as: celebration of history & heritage month series, acknowledgment of cultures & languages, affirmation of identities, and empowerment of our students. The MRC also offers amenities such as: transition closet, room of reflection, collaboration rooms, study rooms, and a lounge area open to all students. 

About Springfield Black Tie: 

Springfield Black Tie is southwest Missouri’s premier fundraising event benefiting local and state-wide charities which serve the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and plus (LGBTQ+) community. Over the last 19 years, Springfield Black Tie has raised more than $1.5 million for LGBTQ organizations in southwest Missouri.