December 12, 2007

Multicultural Student Groups Build Camaraderie and Celebrate Difference

Diversity is an important part of student life at Ohio Wesleyan and is an important part of students’ education. One of the best opportunities for exposure to various cultures and groups on campus is through the student organizations at OWU organized by minorities and students of various cultures.

Terree Stevenson ’95, interim director of multicultural student affairs, says these groups are important to the social fabric of the campus on several levels.

“Most importantly we want people on campus and in the Delaware community to understand that multicultural student groups don’t exist to exclude others, but are here to celebrate differences, and to invite the community to join in and celebrate the uniqueness of our respective cultures,” she says. “That is why these groups organize many events that are open to the whole community.”

In addition to the cultural exchanges and education about differences among various groups on campus, these student organizations also function as a strong support system for multicultural students.

“All students face a number of pressures, but students in multicultural groups sometimes have additional pressures they face. It is important if you are a member of a multicultural group on campus, that you have a sense of camaraderie and support.”

Following is a list of campus multicultural student groups:

Black Men of the Future » Fosters better understanding of the African and African-American man.

Chinese Culture Club » Promotes awareness and understanding of Chinese culture.

House of Black Culture » Small Living Unit (SLU) dedicated to black culture.

PRIDE (People Regarding Individual Diversity Everywhere) » Supports students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered.

Rafiki Wa Afrika » Raises awareness of social, cultural, and political issues on the African continent and in the African-American community.

SANGAM » Promotes South Asian culture and holds a Bangra party each semester.

Sisters United » Focuses on issues of African-American women.

SUBA » Student Union on Black Awareness.

Tauheed » Promotes awareness about Islam and the Islamic Society.

VIVA » Promotes the cultures of Latin America.

For more information about these groups and activities, visit or contact the Office of multicultural Student Affairs. The office is located in Hamilton-Williams 324 (phone: 740-368-3142).

– Christopher Federer