HAMBURG, N.Y. – A variety of educational, engaging, and entertaining events that illuminate diverse cultures and traditions from around the world, including a presentation by Neil White, author of In the Sanctuary of Outcasts, are planned during Hilbert College’s Cultural Awareness Week celebration being held from October 20-24.
The week will focus on how we move from a place of being aware of social justice in our community to a place of action. The opening program will unveil the college’s “Wall of Peace and Inclusivity” at 1:50 p.m. on October 20 in the Lower Level of the McGrath Library. The exhibit is made up of many unique pieces of cloth either designed or written by faculty, staff and students that expresses each participant’s view of the ways Hilbert comes together as an inclusive community and respects cultural differences. The event will begin with a welcome by Hilbert President Cynthia Zane, Ed.D., followed by a keynote address by Judge Craig D. Hannah. His presentation will address “Engaging Community: Creating Change and Equity in the Criminal Justice System.” Following this event, all are welcome to attend the Multicultural Dinner at 5:00 p.m. in the Upper Level of the Campus Center. It will feature a performance by the Caribbean Extravaganza Steel Drum Band. If interested, please pick up tickets in the Student Success office (Free for Hilbert students, faculty, and staff).
On Tuesday, October 21, author Neil White will make two presentations, the first focusing on “Crime and Punishment in a Global World” at 12:25 p.m. in Bogel 101; and the second will discuss his book, the Hilbert Reads selection, In the Sanctuary of Outcasts. All incoming freshmen were given a copy of the selected text.
A roundtable discussion, “Reflections of a Hip-Hop Culture: Commercialism vs. Social Consciousness,” will be held on Wednesday, October 22 at 3:30 p.m. in Paceszny Hall (room 216-218). The day will conclude with a film viewing of Miss Representation in Bogel 101 at 6:15 p.m.
Hilbert’s Cultural Awareness Week will also feature a Cultural Bazaar with showcases, presentations and performances which will take place on Thursday, October 23 in the West Herr Atrium from 2 - 4:30 p.m. The weeklong celebration will close out on Friday, October 24 with a Paintball Tournament in the Hilbert Quad, proceeds will support initiatives from the Disability Services Task Force, and an I-Culture Game Show at 5 p.m. in Bogel 101.
Cultural Awareness Week activities are free and open to the public, are being sponsored by Admissions, Academic Services, Campus Ministry, Career Development Center, Center for Excellence and Learning (CEL), Common Ground Club, English Department’s Visiting Artist Series, Hilbert Reads, Honors Program, Human Services and Rehabilitation Services Department, Institutional Advancement, Leadership Development, Multicultural Affairs, Residence Life, Student Activities, and Student Success and Retention.
For more detailed information and a list of all events during Cultural Awareness Week, contact the office of multicultural affairs at oma@hilbert.edu or go to http://hilberttoday.wordpress.com/2014/10/14/cultural-awareness-week-events/