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Volume 1 Issue 1

The MC Connection W elcome to the first edition of our monthly newsletter, MC Connection! The New Year brings new experiences and opportunities to grow and excel. In the MC, we are looking forward to growing our outreach and services throughout campus and the Jonesboro community. We will share how we are doing this with the MC Connection. This newsletter will highlight some of our programs and initiatives that take place throughout the year. We will also spotlight some of the amazing students we have the opportunity to connect with each day. We are also excited to welcome aboard new staff member, Candence Williams. Candence has already done a great job contributing to the Center’s growth. As the new champions of the GODADDY.COM Bowl and the re-launching of the university website, it has already began an exciting new year for Red Wolf Nation. The MC looks forward to continue to contribute to the growth and success of the University. So stay connected to us by reading our newsletters, visiting our websites, and stopping by the MC! In the words of Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” “ The MC, not just a Space, but a Place for ALL.”

T he Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration highlights and commemorates his legacy and achievement as one of the greatest men in history. “The Dream Still Lives,” the 2013 MLK Celebration theme, signifies the impact and progress that has been made since Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech 50 years ago on Aug. 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. As one of the pioneers of the Civil Rights Movement (1955-1968), King worked hard to establish equality for African Americans through sit-ins, marches and other non-violent demonstrations. Because of his work and the work of countless other Americans, the doors of opportunity began to open for all. In 1955, Arkansas State University opened its doors to the first blacks to be admitted to the University: Walter B. Strong, Frederick C. Turner, and Larry Williams. The Strong-Turner Chapter of the ASU Alumni Association is named for the first two black graduates. Today, the University has more than 15 percent African American students and 20 percent total minority enrollment. The University has made great strides and will continue its effort to increase diversity. “As we celebrate Dr. King’s holiday each year, it should be a reminder to continue pushing his agenda forward in making America a better place for all. ‘The Dream Still Lives’ is a way of saying there is still work to be done,” stated Dr.

MLK Celebration 2013: “The Dream Still Lives”

Arkansas State University Multicultural Center

“Not just a Space, but a Place for ALL!”

Lonnie Williams, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. By providing more resources and support for minority and underrepresented student populations, ASU makes the dream of attending college a reality. The Multicultural Center is one of the many areas on campus that is instrumental in contributing to the educational, cultural, and social programs and initiatives that support minority and underrepresented student populations, according to Niya Blair, director of the center. As one of the participating organizers of the 2013 MLK Celebration, the Multicultural Center educates the ASU and Jonesboro communities about the legacy of Dr. King through events held during the week of the national holiday. See page three of this newsletter for a detailed list of events.

Photo courtesy: martinlutherking.org

Niya Blair Director

Multicultural Center

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T he “Non-Trad Corner” highlights viewpoints of our non-

traditional students and ways they adapt to life while pursuing

higher education. Non-traditional students often face

challenges that are unique from traditional college students.

Many non-trads must balance work, family, and school.

The Multicultural Center, which also houses Non-

Traditional Student Services, coordinates programs and events

that support the success of non-traditional students through

various channels and resources.

In December 2012, the Multicultural Center held its

annual graduation reception for the Fall 2012 graduates.

Below is a reflection from one of our graduates, who is a

non-traditional student, after the reception:

“To be a 'non-traditional' student in most cases implies

something out of the ordinary had to be overcome to

succeed. It could be language, distance from home, age,

culture, family and kids...any number of things. It truly was a

sweet gathering of all such people who attend ASU that I just

returned home from, where we could all see each other and

realize how much people go through for an education and

how precious it is.”

-Sanford Pass, Class of 2012

Non-Trad Upcoming Events

Grab N Go Mondays 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Reng Student Union Multicultural Center

Begins Monday, February 4th

Stop by for coffee and

pastries on the way to class!

Leadership is an Art By Max De Pree

Leadership is an art that is learned over time and experiences, and not just by reading books. The author Max De Pree focuses on the qualities an individual and a corporation ought to have in order to be successful. “Would you rather work as a part of an outstanding group or be part of a group of outstanding individuals?”-Max De Pree. Leadership is an Art is a great book for students to learn the expectations of a corporation and to prepare them for the future, while it is also beneficial for professionals to improve and develop the characteristics needed to continue a successful career. The success of a corporation is not only measured by the quality of a product and service, but also by the quality of relationships, promises, and communications among each other.

Check out this book in the Multicultural Center

T o commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, the Student Activities Board and the Multicultural Center will host an evening of dance Wednesday, January 23rd with internationally known Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Founded in 1976 by Ann Williams, the mission of Dallas Black Dance Theatre is to create and produce contemporary modern dance at its highest level of artistic excellence through performances and educational programs that bridge cultures and reach diverse communities. With an ever-expanding national and global audience, the company employs a diverse, multi-ethnic troupe of dancers performing for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Dallas Black Dance Theatre celebrates its 36th Season of performances as the oldest continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas. The professional ensemble, a contemporary modern dance troupe, consists of 12 professional, full-time, salaried dancers performing a mixed repertory of modern, jazz, African and spiritual works by nationally and internationally known choreographers (www.dbdt.com). The event will take place in the Reng Student Union Centennial Hall at 7:00 p.m.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre: Stepping Ahead Across the Nation

Dallas Black Dance Theatre

Image courtesy: Dallas Center for the Performing Arts

Review by: Meelviss Torres

Check it Out!

Photo Courtesy: Sandford Pass

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Carl R. Reng Student Union

3rd Floor Suite 3003

870-680-4052

astatemc@astate.edu

Visit our website

CONTACT US

Candence Williams Program Coordinator Multicultural Center

Upcoming MC Events

2013 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Northeast Arkansas MLK Celebration—Monday, January 21st

Evening of Dance with Dallas Black Dance Theatre—Wednesday, January 23rd Reng Student Union, Centennial Hall: 7:00 p.m.

Candlelight Vigil—Thursday, January 24th Reng Student Union, Heritage Plaza Lawn: 4:30 p.m.

MLK Service Project—Saturday, January 26th

*To volunteer email astatemc@astate.edu*

February

Movie: “Sparkle” - Friday, February 1st

Reng Student Union, Auditorium: 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Kevin Cole Art Exhibit: “And the Band Played On” Reng Student Union, Multicultural Center

Viewing Mon.- Fri. 8am-5pm

Minority Student Organizations

Black Student Association Brother 2 Brother Circle of Trust Gay Straight Alliance Hispanic Outreach & Latino Appreciation Multicultural Center Ambassadors Non-Traditional Student Organization

Join Today!

Meelviss Torres Graduate Assistant

Multicultural Center

Announcements

Scholarship Applications due February 1st

STAC

Thompson Minority

Linual Cameron

Next Newsletter Issue: February 5th

T he Arkansas State Multicultural Center Ambassador Program encourages students to take an active role in campus education and around issues of multiculturalism, equity, and social justice. Ambassadors are uniquely poised among their peers to raise awareness, promote inclusiveness, and prompt genuine celebration of differences across campus.

Qualifications:

Must have a least a 2.5 cumulative GPA

Enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)

Able to attend scheduled mandatory training

Attend monthly meetings and work one hour per week in the MC

Demonstrate an appreciation for diversity

Exhibit academic excellence, strong communication skills, and strong leadership potential

Application due February 4th! (Applications available in the MC)

Multicultural

Center Hours

Monday—Thursday

8:00 a.m.—9:00 p.m.

Friday

8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.