Penn State York’s 13th annual celebration of diversity, April 11-20, provided members of the campus and local community an opportunity to learn about different cultures through a variety of programs and events. Unity Day was celebrated on Thursday, April 14, when the gymnasium of the Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center played host to a variety of performances, food from around world, and other activities and displays designed to celebrate diversity. To see photos from the event, visit http://live.psu.edu/flickrset/72157626474054651 online.
Activities throughout the extended celebration featured presentations about Haiti, Peru, Japan, and the volunteer activities of students who worked in New Orleans, La., during spring break. Those interested in learning to Salsa dance also had the opportunity to take a free dance lesson. Others interested in the Japanese art of origami learned how to make paper cranes. The paper birds were sold for a donation benefiting Japanese tsunami relief.
Goals for Unity Week include creating teachable moments to learn about diversity and to provide an opportunity for the campus and community to suggest ways Penn State can create a multicultural environment.
Unity Week is the culmination of the work of Penn State York’s Diversity Committee which includes students, faculty, and staff and is sponsored by the group. A variety of multicultural events are planned throughout the year to provide a forum for the campus and community to learn about diversity.