Diversity and Inclusion

Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5372 USA
(269) 387-6313

Events and Announcements

 

Celebration of Excellence

Western Michigan University's Celebration of Excellence is a celebration to honor our multicultural graduates. Celebrations are held twice a year, typically the Saturday before Spring and Fall commencement. 

We will celebrate our 2024 Fall graduates at our celebration on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 3-5 pm in the Student Center Ballroom.

Graduates must register to attend by Sunday, November 17. Due to capacity limits, graduates may only register two guest to attend with them.

Register Today!

 

Dr. Evan Larson Presentation - "Reciprocity through the Flames"

On November 7th, Dr. Evan Larson will be holding a presentation on Reciprocity through the Flames. The presentation starts at 5:30 pm and refreshments are offered at 5pm in the Fetzer Center at Kirsch Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

 

NASO and Tribal Community Luncheon and Conversation with Dr. Larson 

On November 8th, Dr. Evan Larson will be holding a luncheon and conversation with NASO and the Tribal Community. The event will be from 12:30pm - 2:30pm in Dunbar Hall in Room 3433. This luncheon is RSVP only with a list of the invitees attached. The invitees are as follows:

Native community: Tribal leaders, citizens, and employees working with land, water, and fire relationships, environmental justice, sustainability; and faculty and staff working in these areas. 

There will be free parking and dietary accommodations. This event was co-facilitated by Shabanaa Bush and Dr. Dee Sherwood.

To RSVP, email @email

 

Frank Waln - Interactive Musical Presentation 

On November 13th, Frank Waln is holding an Interactive Musical Presentation. This event will be taking place in the Dalton Center for Fine Arts - Bullock Series from 7pm - 8:30pm. NASO and Tribal Communities will have reception with refreshments from 6pm - 6:45pm.

This event uses a ticket system to enter. To buy your tickets, go to Ludus - Western Michigan University Irving S. Gilmore School of Music.

Tickets -   $15 for public, $12 for elders/seniors, $5 for students, faculty, and staff.

Contact: @email if assistance with ticket cost is needed due to a hardship.

 

Traditional Hand Drum Making Workshop - with NASO and Fred Jacko

On November 20th, NASO and Fred Jacko are holding a Drum Making Workshop in the Office of Sustainability. The event is held from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. There will be free parking and refreshments.

Space is limited to 25 participants, RSVP is available by emailing @email 

Co-sponsorship funding - thanks to Bells Brewery.

 

 

 

Diversity Education Events

Click here to get more information about the events hosted by the Office of Diversity Education. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from September 15 to October 15 when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate the group's heritage and culture.

Native American Heritage Month, or American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, in November is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the contributions of Native people.

Black History Month is an annual observance every February in the United States for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.

Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, observed in May every year, is a month to celebrate and pay tribute to the contributions generations of Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made to American history, society, and culture.