STEPS Welcomes You

I would like to welcome all of you to the

Multicultural Student Center (MSC). The

MSC is a magnificent resource for first time

students of color to gain knowledge and

skills for navigating college life. The

Multicultural Student Center stands firmly

in its position as WSU’s center for

multicultural communication, community

building, leadership, and multicultural

awareness.

The Center collaborates with many major

university offices located throughout the

campus and community. We also have

student advocates located in a myriad of

graduate and undergraduate academic

programs. In partnership with these allies

we strive to develop co-curricular and

learning opportunities for WSU Students

that:

Support the shaping of a culturally

aware and competent campus

environment that welcomes ethnic,

racial, and intellectual diversity.

Support the academic, cultural,

social, spiritual, and professional

growth of the students we serve.

Support the retention, inclusion,

and increase in participation rates

of students of color.

The MSC Staff generates and manages a

wide range of academic and cultural

programs, resources, and services for WSU

and surrounding communities. One critical

part of our mission is to ensure that WSU

students of color will draw a maximum

benefit from this high quality university

experience. I would like to invite you to

visit the Multicultural Student Center.

Have a Joyous Thanksgiving!

Jody P. Perkins

Interim STEPS Supervisor

November 2011

Issue Two

In this article:

Ceremony of

Excellence

Peer Mentors

Introductions

Upcoming Events

Council Updates

And much much more…

Nov. 4 Latin Fever Dance: co-sponsored: Spanish Club, MSC, Hispanic Area

Council, Ogden Marriott, Café Ville Bella (community service project)

8:00- 12:00am

Nov. 5 Black Scholars United (St. Anne’s Food Pantry) 9:00- 1:00pm

Nov. 8 AmeriCorps Day at Youth Impact 3:00-6:00pm

Nov. 10 MSC STEPS: Volunteer Tea Wasatch Elementary 6:30-7:30pm

Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day Holiday

Nov. 14 Omega Centennial Awards

(Dr. Crawford- Civil/Social Justice Award recipient)

6:00 – 10:00pm

Nov. 18 WSU Multicultural Youth Conference *HS Juniors only 8:00 - 2:00pm

Nov. 18 SOMOS/Utah Hispanic Business Foundation Scholarship Gala

(table sponsored by MSC and John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics)

6:00 – 11:00pm

Nov. 21 Hunger Banquet in Ballroom A (sponsored by Community Involvement Center) 6:00-7:30 pm

Nov. 23 MSC Thanksgiving Extravaganza 2:00 -4:00pm

Nov. 24-25 University Holiday Closed

Nov. 30 QPR Suicide Prevention Training (facilitated by Dr. Dianna Abel) 2:30 - 4:00pm

Dec. 3 MSC STEPS: Help-Portrait (Marshall White Community Center) 11:00 am-7:00pm

Dec. 9 WSU Commencement Various times

Dec. 13 MSC/Zions Bank Presents: Winter Solstice STEPS Recognition

Awards Luncheon (Invitation Only)

12:00 -2:00pm

The idea of having a month dedicated to the Native American Heritage took place in 1990, but it wasn’t

until an Act of Congress, during George Bush’s Presidency, that it was announced that the month of

November was declared Native American Heritage Month. Ever since then there have been numerous

activities and events going on during the month of November.

Jeffrey Simons, American Indian Advisor at the Multicultural Student Center, celebrates American

Indian Heritage Month by educating others about his culture. During the month of November he is asked

to attend many sessions, along with other individuals, to educate the younger generations. He feels that

this recognition is a great thing to have, and is happy for the recognition of his culture.

By Michelle Diez

United

STEPPIN UP! Many students from the Multicultural Student

Center have had great learning experiences while

fulfilling internships. Belia Alvarado, Antwain

Stutson, Javier Chavez, Maria Lupe Gil, Kyle

DeBungie, Chelsea Bybee, Teresa Holt, Lonnie

Wishom, Petchompoo "Mo" Sanpanit, Nestor

Robles, Ryan Pringle, Jacqueline Smith, and

Arnold Parrales are all notable MSC students who

have recently fulfilled or are currently

participating in internships.

Kyle did an internship working with the

Department of Indian Affairs in Washington D.C.

where he was able to attend a nurse qualification

board meeting, learn about improving VA

services, and meet a senator from Minnesota.

Kyle's internship was all paid for by the ASIS.

Javier also interned in Washington D.C. where he

worked with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus

Institute. Javier's internship was all expenses paid

and he also received a stipend. Javier reported that

his internship "has been the greatest experience as

a college student so far.”

Nestor is starting his first internship doing graphic

design with Froza Creativa. Nestor was told about

this internship by an MSC advisor who was

impressed by flyers he recently made for the

Hispanic Area Council food drive. Internships are

a great way to further your education by getting

real-life experience. Any serious college student

should strongly consider applying for an internship

program.

By John Marett

2011 Ceremony of Excellence

Here at Weber State University the Multicultural Student Center (MSC) holds an elegant

awards ceremony that recognizes culturally diverse students in their academic

performances and contributions they have shown. It honors all graduating students with a

GPA of 3.2 or higher, and is also a part of the MSC, each student that qualifies receives a

Certificate of Excellence. In this Ceremony of Excellence the MSC honors the “Top 10

Seniors,” who have made a commodious contribution to the Center and have an

outstanding GPA. The “Top 10 Seniors” that are chosen receive a Kente Cloth, a small

gift, and a framed Certificate of Excellence.

The event usually takes place around the end of spring semester right before

graduation and is held at the Alumni Center. Families of the students are invited to be a

part of this ceremony. The ceremony is usually started with a social hour filled with music

and refreshments, then the guests and honorees are invited in to the main ceremonial room

where the guest speaker and committee members will conduct the event. The students that

have been chosen for the Ceremony of Excellence will line up and wait for their name to

be called. Following the CoE students, the Top 10 Seniors will then line up and wait for

their name to be called. They will then receive their Kente Cloth and certificate. Each

senior has a story read by a committee member, or a special guest, about their childhood,

achievements, and successes. The ceremony ends with a guest speaker that talks about

their struggles and successes that guided them to their current position. Here at the

Multicultural Student Center we have two members that were a “Top 10 Senior,” Teresa

Holt and Jacqueline Smith.

By Patiola Thompson

“Embracing our past, enhancing our present to inspire our future” From the Desk of Our Director

Culturally

Contact us at 801-626-7330 weber.edu/multicultural Text "MSC" to 469-579-2390 to receive updates via WSU mobile.

A Monthly Insight into Multicultural Life on the WSU Campus

Our humble beginnings as a consortium of student organizations occurred in 1968 followed by the 1970 establishment of the

"Ethnic Studies Institute" (supported by the Utah State Legislature) that paved the way for the creation of the Minority Student

Coalition in 1975. An exploratory plan was submitted and two years later (1988) the Multicultural Education Resource Center

was established.* The state legislature, our administration, faculty, staff, students, and community recognized the need to provide

a place for our multicultural population 41 years ago. We are deeply indebted to you!

Our Center is extremely appreciative of those who continue to support, mentor, and guide us. We have experienced many

changes, including the development of our new logo, program reorganization, and a Center that students can call "home"

throughout their WSU program of study. Our ongoing commitment to multiculturalism, while providing quality programming and

services for successful degree attainment is top priority. We look forward to meeting you at the Center!

"Historical Efforts toward Establishing A Multicultural Center At Weber State College 1968‑1988", Dr. Forrest Crawford.

By Michiko Nakashima-Lizarazo

. Teresa Holt

.1

Hispanic Area Council

Meet the MSC STEPS Team Leaders

Why is being a peer mentor important to

you? Being a peer mentor is important to me

because I am able to help other students

within the university.

It's great to help other students who

struggle with just the basic needs of

college.

.

Black Scholars United Black Scholars United (BSU) club holds their

meetings every Saturday in the Lair at 1130 am.

They also have a booth running every Wednesday

from 9am-12pm in the Union Building. On October

8th, BSU officials were honored to attend an AIDS

awareness campaign at the Marriot Hotel courtesy

of Dr Crawford. This was a chance for the new

BSU officials to get to know each other. In

conjunction with Representmeutah, BSU is helping

in an awareness campaign about voting practices in

Utah that are unfavorable to minority groups.

For more information visit representmeutah.org.

BSU had a successful Pantry Project on Saturday

November 5th at the St Anne’s Homeless Shelter in

Ogden, Utah, where they assisted staff in making

meals for those in need and successfully

reorganized the organizations’ food pantry.

Also check out the 2012 BSU T-shirts on sale in the

MSC NOW for $10.

By Lawi Lomiko

John Marett

Team Lead

HAC is a student run organization that helps in

the recruitment and retention of Hispanic students

to WSU and to promote Hispanic traditions and

cultural heritage. HAC supports their students

and wants them to succeed! Hispanic Student

Senator Belia Alvarado said, “I am very happy

and proud to be the HAC senator and would like

to thank everyone who made our Dia de los

Muertos event a success, especially Maria

Rodriguez for coordinating the event.”

The committee for this event worked hard where

hundreds of people visited the altar. The

community service project held at Ogden City

Cemetery got featured in the local news media.

HAC will be helping with the Multicultural Youth

Conference November 18. The community

service project, Latin Fever dance, was a huge

success with over 400 cans of food donated that

will go toward a good cause in the community.

By Lidian Oliveira

Dia de los Muertos Altar

Photo by: Ray Espino

Supervising Editor: Jody Perkins Chief Editor: Laura Natalia Munoz Co-Editor: Andres Morelli

For more information or advertising please contact us at (801) 626-7330

What do you like most about working for

the Center?

I enjoy working with all the peer mentors

and Wsu students. Not only have I been

able to help others but working with others

have helped me enhance my leadership

skills. Without the MSC I would never

have gained the valuable professional

employee experience I have today.

Annie Garcia Team Lead

Why do you recommend that WSU

multicultural students use peer mentors?

A peer mentor is defined as a knowledgeable

and experienced guide, a trusted ally and

advocate, and a caring model. Being a peer

mentor is important to me because I want to be

able to help other students and share my

knowledge with their secondary education.

When I first came to the University there were

many people who helped me and now I want to

return the favor by helping others.

Why is being a peer mentor important to you?

Since becoming a student at Weber State my life

has been changed and enhanced in so many

ways. I feel that it is now my responsibility to

use the knowledge I have learned here for

helping others in their pathway to success.

Laura Natalia Munoz Team Lead

Natalia Munoz Team Lead 2

Meet the MSC STEPS Chairs

Meet the MSC STEPS Peer Mentors

This club is for anyone who would like to join.

It’s also a way for Native Americans to touch

base with others of their culture. This club is a

way for people to learn more about the Native

American culture. Each week we have a cultural

moment, and it’s a way for the students to learn

more about their tribe and their experiences.

UPCOMING EVENTS!

1. IWIC (Indian Walk-In Center) in SLC to help

serve food to homeless people. November 19,

2011 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

2. Millcreek event: 1:30-2:30 pm it’s a youth

lockup ranging from 14yr to 18yr olds. They are

going to speak to the youth about their cultures.

By Joselyn Rodarte

American Indian Council

Andres Morelli Why do you recommend that WSU multicultural

students use the Center? We offer many answers to common questions that

students have; in addition to that, we are a friendly group

of people

Karl Finai Why is being a peer mentor important to you? Being a peer mentor is important to me because I am

able to help other students within the University.

Lawi Lomiiko Why is being a part of the Center important to you? By being a peer mentor I get the chance of helping

students in different areas. I see this to be a great

opportunity to reach out to students and help them

achieve their life goals

Chelsea Bybee

Why do you recommend that WSU multicultural

students use peer mentors? There are many resources that the MSC offers that go

unnoticed or unheard of that drastically helps a college

student in need

Joseph “Sifa” Heimuli Why is being a peer mentor important to you? It’s important to me because it helps me improve my

skills as a student and also help other while I learn.

Michelle Diez Team Lead Assistant

Joselyn Rodarte. Outreach Chair Why is being a peer mentor important to you? Being a peer mentor is important to me because I am

able to help other students within the university.

It's great to help other students who struggle with

just the basic needs of college.

Viviana Felix. Events Chair Why is being a peer mentor important to you?

Because I get to have that one on one contact with

students. We get to help incoming freshmen and

help motivate them to be involved in things like

Student Government.

Richard Truong. Data Chair

Why is being a part of the MSC important to

you?

So I can show students the different opportunities

Weber State has to offer and have them take

advantage of them.

Isaac Farley. Publicity Chair/Webmaster

Why do you recommend that WSU multicultural

students use peer mentors?

I recommend using peer mentors because they're a

very helpful resource and they'll be your best friends

if you let them.

Lidian Oliveira Why is being a peer mentor important

to you? Being a peer mentor is important to me

because I am able to help other students

within the university.

Patiola Thompson What do you like most about working

for the Center?

I enjoy seeing new faces and meeting

new people as they enter the Center.

Maria Rodriguez Why do you like most about working

for the Center? I love to come to the Center every day

because there I feel comfortable helping

other students, sharing ideas with my

friends in a friendly and diverse

atmosphere.

TOA is BACK!!!

After being absent from Weber State Univeristy’s atmosphere for the past 3

years, The Ohana Association is back. The TOA club represents the

Pacific Islanders within Weber State’s student population. New club

President Kady Elle Dumaguin along with the help of Vice President

Patiola Thompson have restored the club into activity. The purpose of

TOA club is to unite other Polynesians to raise awareness on key issues and

teach our culture to one another.

The TOA club will be holding a service project for the WSU Food Pantry.

This will take place at the WSU bowling lanes. The event will be Thursday

November 10, 2011 from 7:00-9:00 pm. Please bring any canned or non-

perishable food items to donate to the Weber State Food Pantry and enjoy

your time bowling with many other TOA club members and supporters.

The TOA 2011-2012 officers are:

President: Kady Elle Dumaguin

Vice President: Patiola Thompson

Publicity Specialist: Lisala Afeaki

Activity Chairman: Joseph Heimuli

Treasurer: Karl Finai By Karl Finai

The purpose of the ACCESS program is to guide and support university athletes

and students through the college process in order to obtain a successful career and

healthy outlook on life. ACCESS allows students to utilize services offered on

campus & the community more efficiently. By partnering and collaborating with

other departments and resources, students will be better served and prepared

throughout their college career. For athletes in particular, this program understands

the demand and sacrifice it takes to be a student-athlete. Using current and former

athletic peers, students will be able to relate with one another and feel more

comfortable with utilizing resources. This program is sponsored by the

Multicultural Student Center. It is managed by three current athletes or ACCESS

Peer Liaisons:

Antwain Stutson Devin Pugh Alex Troy

Teresa Holt ACCESS Supervisor and Student Specialist

(801) 626-7340 or teresaholt@weber.edu

Kim Pham Why is being a part of the Center

important to you?

I feel it is important to be a peer

mentor because there are students out

there that need help with getting to

college and peer mentors can help with

that transition.