Cultural clubs offer learning experience, sense of family
The multicultural clubs on campus offer more than just a chance to learn about diverse cultures, they also offer the opportunity for unity and a sense of family.
There 11 clubs on campus associated through the multicultural offices include the Asian American Student Union, American Indian Society of Engineers and Scientists, Ethnic Engineers Student Council, Society of Black Engineers and Scientists, Society of Hispanic Engineers and Scientists, a Multicultural Sorority and Fraternity, Multicultural Business Student Organization, Hispanic Student Union, Native American Student Council and the Polynesian Student Union.
There is also the Academic Scholars Program, designed to promote students who achieve academically and counsel them if they have problems. A banquet at the end of the year celebrates students’ academic achievements, said Christine Christensen, outreach and activities coordinator.
“The reason I joined a multicultural club was because of the sense of family I gained with all of the students,” said Mandi Richmond, student assistant. “I also felt very comfortable.”
Each club puts on certain events every year to promote awareness of their club. The Black Student Union has the candlelight vigil and a fashion show for Valentine’s Day.
The Hispanic Student Union does a lot of volunteer work in the community, including tutoring and mentoring numerous Hispanic elementary students.
The Polynesian Student Union puts on a luau every year, and its members dance at various events throughout the year.
“The Multicultural Sorority and Fraternity put their emphasis on being multicultural and not so much on service like other fraternities do,” Richmond said.
Christensen, who has only been in her current position for four months, has used her time to train students who were leaders in their clubs. Her class enrollment went from around 10 to 30 students and is still climbing.
The multicultural office is currently working with a student to start a Brazilian club.
The progression of the clubs’ organization has come a long way quickly, Christensen said. The clubs used to have little or no organization, and now each club is like a well-oiled machine.
“There are definite advantages to being in a cultural club. You gain cultural education … You also learn about people’s ways of life,” Richmond said.
These clubs are not just for minority students. They are for anyone who wants to come, Richmond said.
“I would like to send out an invitation to all people,” said Marcos Flores, Black Student Union public relations officer. “The cultural clubs do not only apply to ethnic nationalities, but all walks of life should become involved.”