Multicultural Center partners with Colleges and Organizations to Conduct ‘Minority Welcome Week,’ Sept. 9-13
JONESBORO – The Multicultural Center at Arkansas State University hosts its annual Minority Welcome Week, Monday through Friday, Sept. 9-13. This year’s theme of TURNUP, “Taking Ultimate Responsibility Now to Uncover my Potential,” includes many events that further connects minority students to A-State.
The week of events will showcase minority student organizations and campus resources, and will help connect students to various faculty and staff who can help them throughout their time at ASU.
“We know the first six weeks of the semester are a critical time to connect students to campus. Many of our minority students face unique challenges with adjusting to college, and we hope to alleviate many of those challenges by having the week full of events,” said Niya Blair, director of the Multicultural Center.
The Multicultural Center will bring Amir Windom, record executive for Atlantic/Sony Pictures, as the keynote speaker for Fall Explosion on Wednesday, Sept. 13. Windom has assisted in developing the careers of Lupe Fiasco, T.I., Bruno Mars, Kanye West, Trey Songz and others.
On Wednesday morning, Windom will speak to the mass communication in modern society class and at noon he will speak to student leaders in the College of Business.
“The College of Business is excited to partner with the Multicultural Center to bring in Amir Windom. We are looking forward to him sharing his insights with our students,” stated Dr. Jim Washam, interim dean of the College of Business.
Fall Explosion starts at 6 p.m. in the Carl R. Reng Student Union, Centennial Hall, where Windom will discuss his personal philosophy of “Striving to be more than Successful but Significant.” He also will speak about his career and how he has achieved success as a young leader. “I think many of our students will relate to Mr. Windom and his story,” Blair added. The event is open to the public.
Fall Explosion also includes a minority student organization fair, a stroll-off with members of the National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC), and a performance by United Voices Gospel Choir.
Other events for the week include a Kick Off Celebration on Monday, Sept. 9, with music and punch in the Carl R. Reng Student Union, Center Court, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will have a chance to win prizes. At 5:30 p.m. “NPHC 101” will be held in the Multicultural Center. Students can learn about the traditional African-American fraternities and sororities. The dress attire for this event is business casual.
Tuesday, Sept. 10, is the Freshmen Dinner. Freshmen students will meet various student leaders, faculty and staff. The dinner will be held in Centennial Hall of the Carl R. Reng Student Union at 5 p.m. Any minority freshman who wants to attend must RSVP to astatemc@astate.edu by Thursday, Sept. 5. Dress attire is business casual.
The week will conclude on Friday, Sept. 13, with Best Steppers. Members of NPHC will step against each other, vying for the title of Best Steppers on campus. Best Steppers will be held at the Nettleton Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m. Presale tickets are $7 and include admission to the step show and after-party held at the ASU Armory. Admission on the day of the step show is $5 at the door and $5 for the after-party. More information is available through Greek Life, (870) 972-2055.
For more details about Minority Welcome Week, interested individuals may contact the Multicultural Center at (870) 680-4052, or visit AState.edu/multiculturalcenter for a list of upcoming events.
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