The Office of Mulitcultural Enrichment is planning several on-campus events to celebrate its’ mission of embracing diversity.
The plans include the traditional events, such as the annual Ethnos Culture Show and the annual Black History Production, and new events, such as movie nights, basketball tournaments and Chapel groups.
“The office provides the campus with educational and enriching opportunities on topics and issues relevant to diversity to ensure all students graduate prepared for global, missional, Christian leadership,” Russ Kirby, director of student multicultural enrichment and support, said.
Events, such as the Ethnos Culture Show, expose students to other cultures and helps them understand and appreciate diversity.
“The Ethnos Culture Show reminds the ACU community of diverse thinking. This event gives students a way to express culture on campus,” Byron Martin, assistant director of student multicultural enrichment and support, said. “Some students made a huge sacrifice coming to ACU and had to leave behind a rich culture. Here they can offer it up as a gift to others.”
Another annual occasion is the Black History Production, which creates an opportunity for students to learn about African American culture during Black History month.
This year has brought many new ideas to the office with the new leadership of Kirby and Martin. Under their direction new events are being added to the Office of Multicultural Enrichment’s calendar.
Martin said many of these events are in the planning stages.
One of these events is multicultural movie nights, which would present a movie or documentary focused on diversity.
“This would be a venue to give students the chance to experience these movies that are usually not seen in theaters,” Martin said.
Another event is a three-on-three basketball tournament. Martin said he would like for this to be a huge charity fundraiser.
“We would have music blaring, and play street ball like when we were little on the playground.”
Martin said there is one event that holds a special place in his heart: monthly multicultural chapel, held on the first Thursday of every month.
“I love multicultural Chapel. If I were to picture heaven I would picture multicultural Chapel,” Martin said. “Every race and minority is represented, they have a voice there. Everyone is talking to God in their own way.”
Both Martin and Kirby said they have a specific vision for the office’s future.
“We believe diversity on campus can enrich the entire campus. This is such a great institution and we can go much higher and do more things,” Kirby said.
