UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Commission on Racial/Ethnic Diversity (CORED) at Penn State provided partial funding for five programs and events during the fall 2016 semester. Part of CORED's mission is "to lead and actively support University-wide diversity initiatives that foster teamwork, collaboration, and communication among various racial and ethnic constituencies." The funded programs and events, described here, followed in that spirit.
On the evening of Sept. 27 before their performance on the University Park campus, members of Sphinx Virtuosi were invited to an “All In” diversity welcome event on the Eisenhower Auditorium stage. During the event Tom Hogan, CORED co-chair-elect and professor of practice in Penn State’s School of Labor and Employment Relations, spoke about a new University initiative that uses the performing arts to strengthen the University’s efforts toward diversity and inclusion. The Essence of Joy choir and Sphinx Virtuosi gave performances.
Firoozeh Dumas, Iranian author of Funny in Farsi, performed a reading on October 18 at the Hintz Family Alumni Center while members of the University and public enjoyed a light breakfast, participated in a question-and-answer session and book signing. Dumas had a second talk and book signing with Outreach and Online Education staff as part of their Outreach Diversity Council programming for 2016.
The Celebrating African American Literature and Language Conference took place Oct. 28-29 at The Nittany Lion Inn with the theme “Race and Resistance.” Featured speakers included poets, artists, and scholars Mahogany Browne, Kathryn T. Gines, John Keene, Carmen Kynard, Will Langford, Joycelyn Moody, Mendi + Keith Obadike, and Mary Helen Washington.
On Nov. 29 the Student Programming Association and Student Union for Perks hosted “We Are the World: A Cultural Involvement Fair” in the HUB-Robeson Center’s Alumni Hall. The goal of the annual fair is to raise awareness of the various cultural clubs on the University Park campus. Students in attendance enjoyed free food and special performances.
The Latino Caucus partnered with the Dominican Student Association and held its second annual Nosotros Somos Familia, with the theme "Una Noche de Pasion," on Dec. 1 in the HUB-Robeson Center's Alumni Hall on the University Park campus. The purpose of the event was to create a familiar environment for Latino and other minority students. Each year the event honors and highlights three Latino nations through music, food, theatre and dance.
If you are planning a program that aligns with the mission of CORED, we encourage you to apply for funding assistance. CORED provides funding of up to $300 per event. To learn more go to the website.
Follow CORED on Facebook and Twitter to learn about racial/ethnic diversity efforts at Penn State.