The Office of Multicultural Affairs hosted approximately 60 students, staff, faculty, and community members from the Twin Ports area at a reception aimed towards making connections amongst our community. The event is also a way to build a support network that reaches across all levels of the university.  Brazzell & Reisser (1999) assert in their chapter "Creating Inclusive Communities" that:

At the core of all models for creating supportive and inclusive communities is the assumption that … when students become part of the institution, they are joining a community that promises to assist them in building a supportive network that will sustain them not only until they graduate but well beyond. (p. 162)

The event included a welcome by Chip Beal, the Diversity Coordinator, a small ice breaker, and conversation over dinner. There was much laughter and great conversations heard all over the Multicultural Center.   

The Office of Multicultural Affairs coordinates a Fall Semester reception and a Spring Semester reception as an opportunity for all new and returning students, staff and faculty of African/African American, American Indian/First Nation, Asian/Asian American and Hispanic/Latino backgrounds to make lasting important connections with each other and UW-Superior community allies.  All Office of Multicultural Affairs events are inclusive and everyone, regardless of race, is welcome to attend. 

Mark your calendars for the Spring Semester Welcome Reception, February 2, 2011 at 5:00 PM.  Everyone from the campus and the community is invited to attend and make some new friendships and important connections.  Feel free to look at the Office of Multicultural Affairs website for upcoming events.

Brazzel, J. C., & Reisser, L. (1999). Creating inclusive communities. In G.S. Blimling, E.J. Whitt & Associates (Eds.), Good practice in Student Affairs: Principles to foster student learning (pp 157-177).  San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Look for the Campus Life Spotlight here each Tuesday and in the Staff Digest!