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Diversity. Civility. Leadership. Trailblazer. Family. Solidarity.

After a conversation on art and exploring ways to continue amplifying the Multicultural Center’s message of belonging, Health Sciences major Ahnjeles Maldonado was tasked by the center’s director to start thinking creatively about what kind of impact she could have.

Soon, she found herself amidst pints of blue and brown paint and numerous bags of wooden letters. What started as an idea transformed into a collaborative project that demonstrates the interconnectedness of the ������Ƶ community and the values that it represents. A 3-D mural spotlights words including “belonging,” “respect,” “social justice” and more.

“We had EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund) students come in and help with the painting. Sometimes, I would have my family and my sorority sister – basically, whoever walked into the center during the summer – come and help. Even students in orientation got to see the process and how it changed from literally an idea to this,” Maldonado said.

The word cloud mural isn’t the only place she plans to leave her mark — a piece she collaborated on with ������Ƶ’s Graphics department was placed above the center’s “living room” fireplace.

Inspired by President Joe Bertolino, the piece prominently displays his signature ethics of care – dignity, respect, kindness, compassion and civility – as a reminder for all of the center’s visitors of the values upheld while in this safe and brave space.

After a hectic but fulfilling summer, her mark on the MC, as the center is affectionately known, is visible to all once they enter the space.

“It feels fulfilling to leave an impact with the assurance that others will see the value in it, just because of the intentionality behind it and even where it’s placed in the center – (both pieces) are the first things you see when you enter the space,” Maldonado said. 

– By Loukaia Taylor ‘22

The 6^th Annual Glow Up Opportunity Fair kicked off the academic year on Sept. 12 with a line of students eager to get connected to resume-building employment opportunities and high-impact practices gathered outside of the Campus Center Event Room.

This year’s Glow Up had 24 informational tables advertising internships, paid leadership opportunities, service-learning opportunities, study abroad options and avenues to get connected to research. 

During the event, students received “boarding passes,” which could be stamped by the opportunities they learned about and completed for an opportunity to be entered into a raffle prize giveaway. 

Fred Talks took place concurrently with the fair and featured three students sharing 10-minute testimonials about the value of their chosen high-impact practice (HIPs) experience.

• Alana Jackson shared how her experience in the 2023-24 Cultural Engagement Osprey Internship was transformative, especially through coordinating the annual Inclusive Leadership Conference in April.
• Larissa Sykes reflected on her role in service learning, where she was able to make a meaningful impact on the community while gaining skills that have fueled her professional development.
• Courtney Combs spoke about her journey as a Transitions Activity Leader of New Students (T.A.L.O.N.S.), describing how this role opened doors to further leadership and professional growth.

The 6^th annual fair was a great success, with a record attendance of 278 students representing each class standing. Over half of the attendees were first-year students who were able to be introduced to these skill-building opportunities early in their careers.

65% of the Glow Up Fair attendees were students of color. 96.43% of survey respondents agreed that the Glow Up Fair successfully connected them to opportunities that may enhance their academic excellence and post-graduate success.

“The Glow Up Fair was a game-changer for me. It put everything I needed right in front of me — real opportunities, timelines and people who genuinely want to support me professionally. Seeing so many offices come together to promote these specific opportunities to students like us gave me the confidence to go for roles I didn’t even know I could get involved in,” said Business Analytics junior Tony Castro.

“I love service-learning. I think everybody at ������Ƶ should take a service-learning course so that you have the chance to get out in the community and work with others and to just have a hands-on experience!” LaRissa Sykes, a senior in Education & Human Development, said.

The Importance of HIPs in Collegiate Experiences

HIPs benefit college students by providing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that enhance their education beyond the classroom. For underrepresented and first-generation students, HIPs are particularly beneficial because they help build their professional network, develop confidence and create a sense of belonging within the campus community. Studies have shown that students who engage in HIPs often have higher rates of retention, academic success and job readiness.

If you missed this year’s Glow Up Opportunity Fair, don’t fret, as this event takes place annually in September. 

– By Yesenia Pacheco ’22, M.A. '23