Alumni Newsletter | Spring 2009
In the summer of 2005, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) joined with the University of Chicago Alumni Association to create a quarterly Alumni Newsletter to update alumni of color on diversity initiatives from OMSA and the University, as well as offer information that will assist alumni in engaging and connecting with the University community.
A Note from OMSA's Director
Dear Alumni,
We have had a very full and exciting Winter Quarter celebrating the one-year anniversary of 5710's grand opening. On the evening of February 26 students, staff, alumni and friends came together to celebrate with music, dance, poetry, movies and games. Our celebration will continue into Spring Quarter with the creation of the 5710 Mural, a collaborative project, which will bring members of the 5710 community together to create a work of art which will be prominently displayed on the walls surrounding the reception desk of the building. During Winter Quarter we also celebrated the accomplishments and rich history of the African American community with our African American History Month programs. These included an outing to the Victory Gardens Theater to see the production Living Green as well as a faculty presentation by Dr. Thomas Fischer.
As we look to Spring Quarter, we are excited not only for warmer weather but for the many cultural shows in the works by student organizations, the exhibit of the 5710 Mural, and the opportunity to celebrate and recognize our Class of 2009 graduates! We greatly look forward to sharing more with you in our next issue of the OMSA Alumni Newsletter.
Sincerely,
Ana
Ana Vázquez, Deputy Dean of Students in the University and Director, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
WINTER QUARTER
5710 S. Woodlawn One-Year Anniversary Celebration
On Thursday, February 26, the 5710 community gathered to celebrate the One-Year Anniversary of 5710 S. Woodlawn, the home of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and of the LGBTQ Programming Office. The evening included a cake cutting ceremony with remarks by William Michel, Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Associate Dean of the College, and Ana Vázquez, Deputy Dean of Students in the University and Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. A major highlight was the speech given by alumnus Angel Ochoa of the Class of 2008, who was involved with the planning process of 5710 during his time in the College. Following the remarks, the audience enjoyed cake along with entertainment by the Organization of Black Students, Chinese Undergraduate Students Association, Feminist Majority, Puerto Rican Student Association, Queers and Associates, the Ballroom and Latin Dance Association, and the Ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha, Latin Sorority, Inc. The excitement continued into the evening with a variety of programs hosted by various registered student organizations, including a game night hosted by the Organization of Latin American Students and film screening with F.I.E.R.C.E (Fabulous Individuals Embracing Respect Consciousness and Empowerment).
In the spirit of 5710 the celebration included a service element with participation in the Faculty, Administrators, Student, Staff (F.A.S.S.) Collaborative Food Drive, a program hosted by the University Community Service Center. Throughout the week leading up to the celebration, non-perishable goods were collected for local food banks. The celebration was a great success and highlighted the resources and services housed at 5710.
African American History Month
OMSA hosted several programs, outings, and celebrations as a part of the nation's observance of African American History Month. In February, OMSA led an outing to watch the play Living Green at Victory Garden Theatres. Despite the cold journey to the North side theater students and staff had a great time. In addition, we watched the film Life Support, starring Queen Latifah in an exploration of the impact of AIDS on the African American community. OMSA also co-sponsored the Organization of Black Student's annual Kent Lecture, which brought renowned sociologist William Julius Wilson to campus. Additionally, OMSA collaborated with Chicago Careers in Health Professions to host a luncheon with Thomas Fisher, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Biological Sciences.
Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) Faculty of Color Panel
In response to growing concern from graduate students of color, OMSA hosted a discussion with Cathy Cohen, David and Mary Winton Green Professor of Political Science and Deputy Provost for Graduate Education, and Kenneth Warren, Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor and Deputy Provost for Research and Minority Issues. During this CORE program Dr. Cohen and Dr. Warren shared their experiences as scholars and administrators of color with both graduate and undergraduate students. They offered powerful anecdotes about their realities as well as words of encouragement and determination for those present. OMSA was thrilled to host this important program, which provided a space for dialogues among all present.
Graduate & Professional Student Mixer
OMSA was excited to host our Graduate and Professional Student Mixer, held in the Community Lounge at 5710. Students from divisions across the University socialized, networked, and enjoyed catering from Cedars Mediterranean Restaurant. The Graduate and Professional Student Mixer is growing and continues to present opportunities for students to engage with one another in fellowship.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Advising Relationship
OMSA jointly hosted an advising workshop with Career Advising and Planning Services. Participants received pointers and an outline of expectations for a research advising relationship, and were able to ask questions specific to their own situations. Our graduate students are working hard-kudos to them!
The Chicago Multicultural Connection
The Chicago Multicultural Connection (CMC) is a career-focused mentoring program which seeks to assist undergraduate students of color in identifying post-graduate options. Along with matching students with an alumni, faculty, staff member or graduate student who shares similar career interests and goals, CMC also facilitates workshops and events that help students prepare for the transition from college life to graduate school or employment.
CMC is hosting several events for the Spring Quarter including an outing to the Chicago Cultural Center in April, a workshop on graduate school in May and a year-end BBQ! The program always welcomes new mentors and mentees! For more information about CMC events or to sign up, contact Robin Graham via email at rgraham1@uchicago.edu or visit our website at http://omsa.uchicago.edu/mentorship.
Multiple Journeys: The Life of Gómez-Peña
On Thursday, February 19, world-renowned performance artist, writer, activist and educator Guillermo Gómez-Peña was welcomed to 5710! Gómez-Peña has received a multitude of awards for his work, including an American Book Award and a MacArthur Foundation "genius grant" Fellowship. Born and raised in Mexico City, Gómez-Peña came to the U.S. in 1978 to study post-studio art at the California Institute of the Arts. His work primarily centers on the politics of culture and the body, race, gender, immigration and new technologies. Gómez-Peña's performance, video and installation pieces have been presented at over 800 venues across the globe.
The event, sponsored by the Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture, ArtSpeaks and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, included a stunning multi-media presentation of text and photographs which chronicled the life of this amazing artist. Gómez-Peña traced his family and personal history and discussed his body of work in the context of the social, cultural and political events of the times. The performance was well attended and was followed by a reception.
CULTURAL SHOWS
Chinese Undergraduate Student Association
A big congratulations to the Chinese Undergraduate Student Association on their production of Club Paradise! An original work, hosted on January 17, Club Paradise played to an enthusiastic audience and explored themes of poverty, loyalty, and hope in a China on the cusp of the modern era.
Korean Student Organization
On February 14 the love was felt in Mandell Hall as the Korean Student Organization (KSO) put on yet another fun-filled performance hosting their 29th annual cultural show. This year's show was entitled Love Shots. KSO dazzled hundreds of viewers with a theatrical performance infused with contemporary South Korean and traditional Korean culture and topped off by a romantic storyline. The crowd watched attentively as two young Korean students began a journey at a new university and found love along the way. As the show progressed, the cast reminisced on their childhood in Korea and these vivid memories came to life on stage as the crowd watched a samul nori (a traditional percussion performance), a buchaechoom (a traditional fan dance) and dances reflecting Korean pop-culture. The audience enjoyed Korean food after the performance as the perfect end to a brilliant evening.
WHAT'S NEW
Diversifying Faculty in Illinois Fellowship
The state of Illinois reinstituted the Diversifying Faculty in Illinois (DFI) Fellowship in January of 2009 for the 2009-2010 academic year. The DFI Fellowship was established to increase the diversity of faculties and professional staffs at higher education institutions in the State of Illinois. The fellowship awards a $14,000 to$20,000 stipend to graduate students from underrepresented groups who intend to pursue full-time teaching or administrative positions at higher education institutions in the State of Illinois. There are presently nine DFI Fellows at the University of Chicago. The 2009-2010 Fellows will be announced in May.
5710 Mural Project
In a collaboration between student organizations, the LGBTQ Programming Office and OMSA, the 5710 community has embarked on a large-scale mural project. Installation of a mural was first considered during the construction process of 5710. However due to the complexities of the construction process and a short time frame, the idea of a mural was postponed. In the fall of 2008 students and student organizations began to explore the idea of a mural on campus. All groups involved came together and decided on the creation of a mural that would commemorate the one-year anniversary of 5710 and bring together the multiple communities that have helped create the space. The project has been a completely collaborative effort, from the selection of the building location for the mural, choosing an artist, and fundraising to the creation of the mural itself. Students have been actively working with staff to ensure that the history of underrepresented communities at the University of Chicago has a permanent representation on campus. We are excited to announce that beginning the first week of Spring Quarter, artist Halima Cassells will work with students and staff to guide the development of the mural. All interested students, staff and community members will have the opportunity to be part of brainstorming sessions for the mural as well as actual painters of the mural. The mural will be unveiled April 22 in an event at 5710. It will be exhibited thereafter. We hope that many of you will have the opportunity to see the finished mural reflecting the work of students, staff and the U of C community.
Alumni Features: Angel Ochoa
OMSA is thrilled to introduce our Alumni Features section! Each quarter, we will feature an alumnus, who has been nominated by a peer, fellow alumnus, or faculty/staff within the university, highlighting contributions to their profession, community, the University of Chicago, family life, and all of the other incredible work so many of you do. Our inaugural featured alumnus is Angel Ochoa, who graduated from The College in 2008 and is a Founder of 5710. Angel delivered a speech at the 5710 One Year Celebration that resonated with many students, staff and guests as he eloquently described the student history behind the creation of 5710: "It goes without saying that the true heroes of 5710 are the students for which this building was designed."
While at the University of Chicago, Angel was a student of Latin American Studies and a dynamic student leader who advocated for students of color, queer students as well as queer students of color. He passionately offered himself as a resource to his peers as well as prospective students. In 2007 Angel flew to San Francisco with a large OMSA group to attend the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity. Angel's presentations focused on students' (including Angel's) pivotal roles in the creation of 5710, as well as the state of LGBTQ affairs for students of color at the University. Angel was also one of the first recipients of our Race Studies Grant. Angel's research on "Latino Queer Communities in Pilsen," contributed to the completion of his BA thesis titled "Homofrecuencia: a political coalition for queer, latinidad, and differential consciousness among youth in Chicago." This important topic became the basis of Angel's graduate school applications. In recognition of his contributions, in 2008, Angel received the Campus Life and Leadership Award recognizing sustained leadership, the creation of a positive campus environment, and enhancement of the quality of student life. This spring Angel will decide on an institution at which to further his studies. Angel has undoubtedly left a significant mark at the University of Chicago that will carry on as part of institutional history.
WHAT'S NEXT
Race Studies Grant Symposium
Every Spring Quarter, OMSA hosts a symposium to highlight the groundbreaking research of the recipients of our Race Studies Grant. Undergraduate and graduate students comprising the vanguard of knowledge on communities of color have an opportunity to present their findings to a live audience. Distribution of applications for the 2009-2010 Race Studies Grant will also begin in the Spring Quarter. This grant provides necessary support to our students to contribute to their academic success.
Admissions April Overnight Programs
Each spring, the Office of College Admissions invites admitted students to stay on campus overnight and learn about the University. As in years past, OMSA will take an active role in greeting prospective students of color. We will connect them with current students of color, encourage honest dialogue, and support them in obtaining all the information they need to make their college decision.
Programming
Thursday, April 9, 2009
- Life Series: Self-Care Through the Arts
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
- Mural Project Exhibit
Friday, April 24, 2009
- Allies: Conversation with Cherrie Moraga
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
- Graduate and Professional Student of Color Mixer
May 2009
- In honor of Asian American Heritage Month and in collaboration with CORE, OMSA will host an outing.
Please check our website for more information.
Monday, May 11, 2009
- Diversity in Academe
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
- CMC: Gear-Up for Grad School: Luncheon & Workshop
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
- Race Studes Grant Information Session
Sunday, May 17, 2009
- CMC: Year End BBQ & Celebration
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
- Study Break
Thursday, June 11
- Celebrating Achievement: OMSA Year-End Celebration
Dates to Be Determined
- CMC: Social Outing to Chicago Cultural Center
- Race Studies Grant Symposium
Please check our website for more information.
The OMSA Alumni Newsletter is a joint project of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and the University of Chicago Alumni Association. Please send your comments and suggestions to omsa@uchicago.edu.
