Interim coordinator maintains Cultural Center

The BSU Cultural Center is managing quite well without a permanent coordinator in place.

With the departure, in April 2002, of the previous coordinator, Tam Dinh and the hiring of Valerie Cleary, who chose to pursue a different opportunity, an interim coordinator was appointed to care for the Cultural Center in the absence of a full-time coordinator.

Diana Garza, 1995 and 2000 BSU alum, was selected after Cleary departed. She hopes to maintain the present services offered at the Cultural Center.

“We [the Cultural Center] want to provide continuity and services [for students],” she said.

The center gives students a place to hang out, do their homework, watch television and work on the facility’s computers. Garza wants to focus on assisting students through the center’s services.

Their mission “is to create an inclusive environment where cultural diversity is appreciated and valued, and where people with different beliefs are treated with respect and dignity.”

Leadership training, Community Building services and workshops and diversity training are just a few of the services offered.

They also help organize and promote student-related events such as Island Rhythms’ Micronesian Dinner & Dance Festival, the Intertribal Native Council’s Pow-Wow, Hui-O-Aloha’s Lu’au and the Organizacion de Estudiantes Latino-Americanos’ Cinco de Mayo celebration. Black History Month in February and Asian/Pacific Islander Month in May are also sponsored by the Cultural Center.

Since Garza’s position is part-time, she is unable to work on larger projects. But, she hopes that students will still utilize the opportunities the Cultural Center has to offer. With this position, she is able to spend time with her 21-month-old.

BSU will begin a national search for a coordinator this semester.

“In February, we will be moving into the search process to fulfill the position permanently,” said Leah Barrett, director, Student Union and Student Involvement.

Students are encouraged to spend time at the Cultural Center and to get to know the staff. Office hours are Monday – Friday 8-5 p.m. They will be more than happy to assist you with any information, programs or services you may need.

For more information about the Cultural Center call 426-4259 or check out their web site union.boisestate.edu/culturalcenter.

February
Black History Month
International Food, Song & Dance Festival

March
Micronesian Dinner & Dance Festival
Sponsored by Island Rhythms

April
Pow-Wow
Sponsored by Intertribal Native Council
Lu’au
Sponsored by Hui-O-Aloha

May
Asian/Pacific Islander Month
Latino Awareness Month
Cinco de Mayo
Sponsored by Organizacion de Estudiantes Latino-Americanos

For the most current information on Cultural Center events, please call 426-4259.

Melissa L. Llanes Brownlee, The Arbiter

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