December 2, 2021
Earlier this semester, Shawnee State University students and staff hosted a Multicultural Festival to showcase the cultural diversities present among the campus community. Students, staff, and faculty were invited to showcase their heritage and customs during the event.
Hosting many participants from students in the Center for International Programs & Study Abroad, the festival welcomed all cultures both foreign and domestic to be highlighted and represented.
“The goal of the festival was to bring awareness to the rich culture on our own campus,” said SSU Coordinator of Student Life, Diversity & Inclusion Marlita Cadogan.
Cadogan was originally approached at the beginning of the semester by several international students looking for an opportunity to share their customs with the campus community. She presented the idea to the student organization AHANA (African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) on campus for the groups to collaborate in planning the festival.
“This was a way for our campus community to get a glimpse of the world in a different view,” said Cadogan. “It exposes those of our campus community who haven’t been able to venture out and learn about other places and cultures who wouldn’t have otherwise gotten an opportunity.”
During the event, students had the opportunity to learn what it was like to walk in the shoes of another student from a different culture by allowing those in attendance to experience something new. University President Jeff Bauer and Provost Sunil Ahuja were presented with gifts from students from Tunisia and Pakistan during the event.
“The presentations were an opportunity for these students to share their traditions and culture with campus leadership,” said Cadogan. “The gifts presented to President Bauer and Provost Ahuja were symbols of respect and appreciation for the warm welcome they have received from SSU.”
At SSU, faculty and staff aim to provide students with as many opportunities for exposure to different cultures, experiences, and diversity as possible. In Cadogan’s position, she is passionate about stressing the importance of cultural representation on campus.
“Students are on this campus not only to learn about their field of study, but also to dive into learning more about themselves and the world around them,” she said. “Exploring our differences aids us in seeing all the similarities we truly have, and with that common ground we are better able to empathize and support one another as a campus community.”
To learn more about campus organizations and events on campus, visit shawnee.edu/campus-life.