It was a time for connections and commonality among students of the same ethnic background, sexual orientation/identification and military experience. It was also a time for them to be greeted by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville chancellor, administrators, faculty and staff, and to experience first-hand how the University is a welcoming, fun and safe place for all students.
“Do you all know how beautiful you look from up here,” asked Kathryn Bentley, co-chair with Tarsha Moore of the Black Student Welcome Reception, held from Monday, Aug. 26 in the Morris University Center (MUC) Meridian Ballroom. “This is our second year welcoming new and returning black students to campus, and we want you all to know that you have a roomful of people who want you to succeed and excel. Enjoy the food, fellowship and fun!”
Bentley is an associate professor in the Department of Theater and Dance and director of the SIUE Black Studies Program. Moore is the assistant director of SIUE’s Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI).
The annual Black Student Welcome Reception was held Monday, Aug. 26 in the Morris University Center (MUC) Meridian Ballroom.
“I really enjoyed the parade around campus. There is a lot of energy here,” said Kelsey Covington, of St. Charles, a freshman majoring in nursing. “I wasn’t expecting something like this. I felt very welcomed.”
SIUE’s Safe Zone Student Welcome Reception has grown over the years and continues to be a warmly received event. The reception was held Tuesday, Aug. 27 in the MUC’s Hickory/Hackberry rooms.
“We welcome SIUE students, faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQIA+, as well as allies of the community, for an evening of mixing and mingling,” said Nick Niemerg, co-chair with Jennifer Hernandez, PhD, of the Safe Zone Student Welcome Reception. “We informed students of the various resources available to them on campus, as well as highlighted SIUE Safe Zone accomplishments from the previous academic year.”
Niemerg is the assistant director of Constituent Relations at the SIUE Foundation. Hernandez is an assistant professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s Department of Teaching and Learning.
“This is also a great way for students to meet SIUE administrators who all serve as advocates for their well-being while on campus,” Niemerg continued. “We encourage all who attend to give back to the SIUE Safe Zone Scholarship fund, which provides scholarships to deserving SIUE students who serve as advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community at SIUE.”
Veterans and the military-connected also enjoyed a time of encouragement, bonding and information, according to Kevin Wathen, director of Military and Veteran Services. The Veterans Student Reception was held Wednesday, Aug. 28 in the Hickory/Hackberry rooms.
“In previous years, we did a good job of providing veteran benefit assistance and relaying information on campus resources available for veterans,” said Wathen. “But new this year, we were able to provide a personal connection to SIUE through common bonds of the military-connected.”
“It is hard to explain the brother/sisterhood that exists between those with close ties to the military,” he noted. “This bond transcends age, race, religion, sexual orientation and gender.” SIUE expects to open its Military and Veteran Resource Center next year.
“The evening was extremely beneficial in helping me understand how many veterans are on the SIUE campuses. I liked being able to hang out with like-minded individuals,” said Keith Elden, third year ROTC cadet. “I was excited to see all campus police officers, who I now know are veterans. It was humbling to see them dedicate not one, but two careers to servicing people and keeping them safe.”
“I also enjoyed hearing about the Student Veteran Association (SVA), and what it offers,” continued Elden. “The SVA was helpful in making me feel like I have staff who can help me through government paperwork and finding the best college path for myself.”
“The Latinx and Asian Pacific Islander Welcome were new receptions sponsored by the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI),” said Timothy Staples, EdD, CSDI director.
The Asian/Pacific Islander Student Reception was held Wednesday, Aug. 28 in the CSDI. The Latinx Student Reception occurred Thursday, Aug. 29 in the Hickory/Hackberry rooms.
“We believed it was important to welcome students from these two demographic groups in order to bring a great sense of belonging and inclusion,” Staples explained. “Both receptions involved specially crafted, culturally-based menus. All students were welcomed to this event that celebrated Latinx and Asian Pacific Islander cultures.”
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SIUE students enjoyed a host of welcome receptions last week.