Students attend Power in Diversity conference

Saint Mary’s students and staff attended the sixth annual Power in Diversity Leadership Conference at St. Cloud State University Jan. 29-31.

The conference theme was “Remembering the Sixties, While Charting the Future.” The event helps develop personal growth and leadership for students of color and underrepresented students through workshops, keynote speakers, and programs.

Discussions focused on identifying ways that participants can become leaders for positive change. Students had the opportunity to engage in workshops, listen to keynote speakers, and discuss a vast number of topics related to diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

Saint Mary’s senior, Manire Vaughn, also gave a presentation titled, “The Power of YOU” at the conference.

Participants were Manire Vaughn, Bridget Coffou, Stephanie Cruz, Taylor Lehmann, Graciela Hernandez, Sarah Adams, Christina Weldai, Briana Torres, Cinthya Cazares, Nicholle Ramsey, Abbie Fangman, and Demetrius Young.

Diversity symposium is today

Today (Friday, Oct. 24) the Solidarity Council will host this year’s diversity symposium, titled “Moving Forward: Resistance and Agents of Change for the Future,” in Saint Mary’s Hall from 4 to 7 p.m.

The goal of the symposium is to unlock ideas and thoughts that empower students to think in new ways, and to move forward in solidarity with open minds regarding topics of inclusion and diversity of the past, present, and future.

Dr. Tycho de Boer, associate professor of history, will serve as the keynote speaker from 4 to 4:50 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall. He will present “Resistance and the Straitjacket of Triumphalism.”

Breakout sessions, from 5 to 5:50 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Hall, will include “Resistance as an Agent of Change” hosted by Active Minds in Room 200; “Predominantly White Institutions and Social Movements,” hosted by SAFE in Room 222; “Beyond the Veil: Exploring Intercultural Conflicts Surrounding Skin Color,” hosted by Black Student Allies in Room 226; and “The Hunger and Thirst for Justice: Catholic Social Teaching for Your Life,” hosted by Peace & Justice in Room 234.

A faculty panel from 6 to 6:45 in the Common Room will include a discussion with Dr. Rose Beal, Dr. Erich Lippman, Dr. Stephen Patee and Dr. Roger Peckover, moderated by Eric Styles. The group will present an “Ecumenical Dialogue: Christian Identity, Social Change, and Plurism.”

Students, staff attend Power in Diversity conference

Saint Mary’s students and staff attended the fifth annual Power in Diversity Leadership Conference at St. Cloud State University from Jan. 23-26.

The conference theme was “Today’s Vision: Tomorrow's Reality.” The event focused on identifying ways that participants could become leaders for positive changes. Students had the opportunity to engage in workshops, listen to keynote speakers, and expand ideas for learning and leading through the asset of diverse people and experiences.

Fiyazz Karim, Counseling, led two presentations during the conference titled, “Unmasking Microaggressions” and “Credit: Your Adult Report Card.”

Students participate in ‘Power in Diversity’ conference

Saint Mary’s students participated in the Power in Diversity Leadership Conference “We are the Change: Where do we go from here?” at St. Cloud State University Jan. 24-27.

Students had the opportunity to actively engage in workshops, listen to keynote speakers and expand ideas for learning and leading through the asset of diverse people and experiences. Concepts of racism, empowerment, identity and embodying change were but a few of the topics highlighted through addresses from civil rights activist C.T. Vivian; human rights campaign leader Cheryl Jacques; author, professor and social critic Dr. Tricia Rose; and broadcaster and author Tavis Smiley.

For those interested in learning about the experiences of attendees, please join students at the Diversity Coffee Hour on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 4:30 p.m. in the Cardinal Club.

African-American professionals to share their stories

In recognition of Black History Month, African-American professionals from throughout the nation have been invited to share their stories Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Saint Mary’s.

The panel discussion, free and open to the public, will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall. These six panelists will share their stories, challenges and victories:

• Duchesne Drew, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Drew is the Star Tribune’s managing editor for operations. He’s the newsroom’s liaison to the circulation, production, marketing and advertising departments.
• Sarah Hoye, CNN
Hoye is an award-winning journalist for CNN. She is currently based in Philadelphia where she covers regional assignments and breaking news.
• Minnesota Rep. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-District 58B)
Rep. Champion has represented portions of downtown and north Minneapolis since he was elected in 2008. He is currently a member of the House’s Civil Justice Committee and Finance Committee.
• Beatrice Tayui, Diamond International Inc. and Lion Aviation Group
Tayui is president and senior managing partner at Lion Aviation Group, Inc., an airline management and turnaround specialist that is focused on the growing African aviation sector. She is also president and CEO of Diamond International, Inc. in Chicago, a privately held domestic and international business strategies company.
• Ebenezer Tayui, M.D., Franciscan St. Margaret Health
Dr. Tayui specializes in cardiac and obstetric anesthesiology in Hammond, Ind.
• Xavier Wilson ’97, Winona State University
Wilson is currently serving as interim assistant director of Housing and Residence Life at WSU.

Refreshments will be served following the discussion and a question-and-answer period.

The event is part of a month-long series of events hosted by the Black Students and Allies at Saint Mary’s. For more information, contact Keotta House at klhous11@smumn.edu or (507) 279-1806.

Other Black History Month events

• Feb. 17 — Friday Night Fish Fry
• Feb. 29 — Karaoke Night

Diversity coffee hours offered Fridays

All students, faculty and staff are invited to a diversity coffee hour Fridays from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Cardinal Club.

Free coffee and engaging discussion will be provided. Come when you can; leave when you must. Learn about others’ perspectives. For more information, contact Jeff Walter at jwalter@smumn.edu. These gatherings are sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Wellness Center

Diversity coffee hours offered Fridays

All students, faculty and staff are invited to a diversity coffee hour Fridays from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Cardinal Club.

Free coffee and engaging discussion will be provided. Come when you can; leave when you must. Learn about others’ perspectives. For more information, contact Jeff Walter at jwalter@smumn.edu. These gatherings are sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Wellness Center.

Garza-Cienfuegos to represent SMU on diversity

Successful, diverse alumni of private colleges and universities are on tour April 16-20 for “The Minnesota Private Colleges Tour: Where Diversity Matters.” Maria “Lupita” Guadalupe Garza-Cienfuegos is representing Saint Mary’s as an alumna and through her role as director for international and diversity admission. She received her M.Ed. degree in 2005.
Read more.

Fourteen alumni are sharing their life experiences with a student population from Minneapolis, St. Paul and New Hope that is growing increasingly diverse in terms of culture, ethnicity and socioeconomic background.

To check out the tour’s schedule, go to www.mnprivatecolleges.org/tour/