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Multi–Grain Newsletter (May 2009)
2009 NWU Multicultural Awards
Article by Alex Hartmann
The 11th annual Multicultural Awards Reception for Wesleyan multicultural students and their families was held on Saturday, May 2nd. The reception was held in the Roy G. Story Student Center and centered around the praise of outstanding students and their success in the realms of academia, service, and multicultural community.
Thomas Christie served as the keynote speaker at the reception. Christie is a Nebraska Wesleyan alumnae who is prominent participant in local and state diversity, education, and social issues. He manages the LPS multicultural program and has also co–developed the LPS Racial Response Team Project and also serves on several community boards and councils. Christie spoke on the idea of persisting to meeting a desired end know matter how difficult the means.
Multiple students received awards at the reception. Michelle Zhang and Hien Thu Nguyen received Superior Academic Awards for their outstanding GPA. Michelle Zhang also received the Up–and–Coming for her outstanding commitment to the Wesleyan community during her freshman year.
Leadership Awards were given to Kesha Grenemeier, Meera Bhardwaj, Christine Valish, and Jessica Danson. Travis Benesch, Kara Maddox, Hannah
Sughroue, Faith Fossett, Alex Hartmann, and Sadie Robinson were named Student Advocates for Diversity.
John Spinks, Lauren Williams, Jarrett Thomas, Adam
Flores, Sherrick Robinson, and David Branker received Artistic Expression awards for their various artistic endeavors.
Malcolm Wade was granted the Mary Butler Service Award.
Faculty and staff members receiving recognition as Advocates for Diversity were Karri Sanderson, Janelle Andreini, David Iaquinta, and Sylvia Jons.
Several other students were named for their exemplary academic performance.
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Power of Words
Article by Multi–Grain News
M.O.S.A.I.C. has done it again, sponsoring one of the most dynamic, inspiring and interactive programs of the spring 2009 semester, the Power of Words Campaign. The event took place on Wednesday, April 29th and featured Truman State University’s award winning spoken word artist, Larry Moore. An undergraduate senior from Iowa, Moore delivered colorful pieces that included a mixture of spoken word poetry and song that challenged our campus community to take action on certain social issues centered around stereotypes and name calling, in order to promote a more inclusive community. In addition to Moore’s performance, NWU students also had the opportunity to share their personal stories, speaking out about the words they hear and how they are affected by them.
The Power of Words campaign, which takes place during the fall and spring semester was developed a few years ago to raise awareness of the use of derogatory words and phrases in our society that are harmful, hurtful, and unnecessary. Students are educated on the origins and meanings of certain words, and are given practical solutions for promoting change in others.
Already plans are underway for the next campaign. In the fall M.O.S.A.I.C. will bring to campus international spoken word talent, Gabriela Garcia Medina who has performed at colleges, festivals, and conferences all over the world. She’s made several television and theatre appearances, and is the author of “Ink–Scribing Oshun” published in November of 2006. With her verses of truth, social justice awareness, and self–empowerment you can’t help but be connected when she speaks. To preview her poetry I encourage individuals to visit www.myspace.com/gabrielagarciamedina. You won’t be disappointed!
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Boren Scholarship
Mahelete Assefa, a sophomore political science major from Lincoln, Nebraska has been awarded the prestigious Boren Scholarship, sponsored by the National Security Education Program (NSEP).
The scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing the study of geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. With up to $30,000 provided to U.S. students, Mahelete will be allowed the opportunity to add an important international and language component to her education through specialization in area study, and increased language proficiency. More specifically, Mahelete will travel the fall 2009 semester to Ethiopia where she will study north eastern African politics and the native language, Amharic.
Already fluent in Amharic, Mahelete explains she still has a lot to learn. “I’m excited to have this opportunity.” says Mahelete who is appreciative of everyone in the political science department, Kelly Eaton, Dr. Oberst, Jan Vermeer, and Inger Bull Director of International Education for their support through her application process.
For more information about the Boren Scholarship please contact choskins@nebrwesleyan.edu, or visit www.borenawards.org.
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Big XII
Article by Gary Masters
A group of esteemed students from NWU went to Kansas University in Lawrence for the annual Big XII conference on Black Leadership. These members of MOSAIC and faculty attended workshops, speakers, and numerous of activities based around the theme, “BE THE ONE”. While the question throughout the conference was “What Will Your Legacy Be?” we could not help but to think of what legacy we have already created. With this on our minds we went to workshops focused on lighter topics such as: how to get into graduate school; maximizing your interviews; revealing your hidden potential; how to get straight A’s every semester; and to transform your organizations. But the topic that took the main stage over the three days was the issue of how Black Leaders become the image they desire to be.
I personally learned how media and social norms created by all races have programmed racism in society whether we want it or not. The conference talked about how to take this programming and how to combat it with effective methods of creating a better image of Black Leaders. As a student at a predominantly white campus, and a white male at this conference it was humbling to know how many benefits I receive just being white still today. Since then, this humility has turned to self–disgust and now a passion to help move our campus to a more culturally diverse and empowering campus.
I would recommend any student to attend next year’s conference at the University of Texas. This conference will open your eyes to a world most of us just walk through, not even realizing the benefits we receive or do not receive based on color. Will you BE THE ONE to help others become aware or sit by silently? What will your legacy be?
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Chicago
Article by Michelle Zhang
A group of nine Nebraska Wesleyan students and two advisors went on a Chicago Urban Culture Immersion Trip during spring break in March, 2009.
The mission of the trip was to introduce students to the various cultures and ethnicities, open their mind to the different world outside Lincoln, Nebraska and encourage them to learning a new perspective and gaining an appreciation for the lives of others.
The trip was five days long; students left by train on Saturday morning and flew back Wednesday night. Each day was filled with all kinds of culture learning activities At the end of the day, the group would gather together and reflect on what they saw, what they heard, what they learned, and how that changed or challenged their perspective.
Of all the places students went to, some that were especially educating and made an impression were St. Sabina’s church service, Downtown Islamic Center, Chinatown and the service project at Casa Central where students acted as teachers and mentors and interacted with the children.
Chicago was new for many of the students that went on the trip. It provided an excellent chance for students to learn from this experience and from each other as well. Many commented that it was an amazing experience and they would definitely recommend it to others!
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Candice Hoskins
Article by Hannah Hopson
Another year past, another great addition to the Wesleyan staff. If you make your way to the Center for Student Involvement and poke around the corner of the office, you’ll see Candice Hoskins fast at work in the multicultural office.
Candice is originally from Kansas City, Missouri, and went to Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, where she majored in exercise science with an emphasis in physical training. From there she found herself at the University of Illinois in Jacksonville, IL, coaching and being an athletic director along with being in charge of the recruitment of minority athletes.
With all of her experience, she made her way to Wesleyan where she is currently the interim assistant
to the provost for student success and diversity and is attending graduate school for sports management. When asked what exactly she can do for the students,
she responded with, “A plethora of things! I’m here to help the students with anything I can. Being a woman of color is comforting for some students to come to me and talk about what’s going on in their lives.”
Along with counseling and being a support system, academic advising is another thing she’s more than willing to help with. “To me, my overall job is to make sure that the students succeed. From setting up a schedule to counseling to just hanging out, I’m here for them,” said Candice, “I’m someone they can come to about diversity issues on campus along with any other concerns that arise. I want every student to be comfortable on campus and have a successful, great experience here.”
Its safe to say that Wesleyan students have received more than just another staff member through Candice, they’ve received an ally here for them. With her heart in the right place and head in the right direction, Wesleyan welcomes Candice and is looking forward to see her in the future.
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Sylvia Jons
Article by Alex Hartmann & Travis Benesch
Sylvia Jons has served for the last two semesters the Nebraska Wesleyan 2008–2009 AmeriCorps VISTA. Throughout the year she has been an instrumental part in the planning and implementation of many campus activities and programs including: Lend–a Hand–to–Lincoln; “Give Me Your Hand” service to Denver, CO; Empty Bowls for the Lincoln Public Schools’ backpack programs; and University Ministry Peace Meals at First United Church. Sylvia is also arranging a service–learning day for faculty and staff to visit non–profit organizations around Lincoln and talk about immigrants and refugees.
In addition to her involvement in these widespread activities, Sylvia was a prominent organizer for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Week and worked to get student’s involved in the deeper meaning of the holiday, especially in the year of Obama’s inauguration. The week included a pledge of non–violence, an inauguration viewing, campus art projects, a service project at F Street Community Center, a movie screening, and a panel discussion.
During her year at Wesleyan, Sylvia has been a huge supporter of student passion and involvement and her service has given a helpful hand to organizations such as MOSAIC and Nebraskans For Peace. Sylvia’s dedication and energy have been greatly beneficial to the university and its students—for that we say THANK YOU!
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Upcoming Events
Spring Service Learning Immersion Day
May 18, 2009
Celebrate Lincoln International Festival
June 19 & 20, 2009
NWU Multicultural Student Orientation
August 19, 2009
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