Student Resource Center Blog

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!

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!

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. 

Voter Awareness at Missouri State University

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Voting Awareness: October 17th I 2:00-3:30pm I Multicultural Resource Center (PSU 101)

The Office of Multicultural Programs & LGBTQ+ Student Services has worked months to bring Missouri State students a voter awareness event. Learn all about voting, advocacy, and become registered with PROMO and Paws to the Polls.

Who is Paws to the Polls?

Paws to the Polls is a nonpartisan grassroots campus initiative created to educate, offer voter support, and provide outreach to Missouri State University students.  The mission is for students to learn the relevance of civic engagement and how it embodies MSU’s public affairs mission.

Who is PROMO?

PROMO, Promoting Missouri, is this state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy and lobbying non-profit organization. First starting in 1986, this organization was founded as PACE (People Aligned for Change and Equality) with the goal of making Missouri fairer. At this point in history, Bowers v. Hardwick was taking place in the US Supreme Court, a case addressing sodomy law in Georgia. Shortly after, Missouri Supreme Court quoted Bowers v. Hardwick in a court decision and made extremely disparaging comments related to the LGBTQ+ community. From that moment, it was decided by local citizens that Missouri needed a new political organization, and that was the beginning of PACE. As the LGBTQ+ equality movement grew over the years, the focus became more dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community specifically and the name was changed to PROMO.

 

Why is all of this important?

Missouri State student voting data, collected from Paws to the Polls, shows that college students have the lowest rates of voter participation in the United States. Most recent data from 2020 shows that Missouri State students had approximately 63% voting rate which is the highest it has been in several election cycles. This upcoming event is a great way to ensure Missouri State students’ values and needs are being heard in our elections.

 

voting percentage graph

Multicultural programs and LGBTQ+ services welcome new assistant director

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Shy Wells is the new assistant director for multicultural services/LGBTQ+ student services. A former student, Wells is a Springfield local. 

Wells graduated in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in medical terminology and is now pursuing a master’s degree in social work online while leading a valuable campus resource. 

A shared perspective 

Wells knows what it’s like to start in a new place.  

“I was an online, two-time transfer student who was not sure if I had a place on campus,” Wells said. “It was not until I came to the Multicultural Resource Center that I discovered that I did have people around me who looked, thought and believed in the same things that I did.” 

These personal experiences are what Wells will keep with her as she serves in this position.  

A passion for advocacy

Wells has actively advocated for marginalized groups and doesn’t plan on stopping. 

In addition to previously working with teens and young adults in mental health crises, Wells has also earned certificates in trauma-informed care, ABA therapy, crisis intervention, and group therapy. 

They have extensive experience in advising LGBTQ students and families and building relationships within the Springfield community. 

Looking ahead 

Wells is working towards a future where LGBTQ+ student services are not utilized solely by students. 

“My hope for LGBTQ+ student services is to have more staff and faculty participate in our Safe Zone training,” they said. “I think we have a huge disconnect with our students who are LGBTQ+ as well as our students who are underrepresented, marginalized, or misrepresented.”  

In addition, Wells wants to continue their involvement with the university community. 

“I plan to begin more collaborations with our community to make campus more welcoming and create more allies for our students.” 

Wells wants to create more meaningful connections between LGBTQ+ student services and the student body. 

“I think one thing I wish students knew was that you do not have to identify yourself as LGBTQ+ to be an ally or show support,” Wells said. “This goes for much more than our LGBTQ+ students. This stands true for our students from nearly all backgrounds, religions, abilities, ages, and genders.” 

Explore multicultural programs at MSU