Intercultural Affairs celebrates 10 years as vibrant force for inclusion
After a decade on campus at 糖心Vlog University, Intercultural Affairs is ready to celebrate.
As well as everyone involved should. 鈥淚CA,鈥� as it鈥檚 popularly known, is, above all, a celebration of diversity, inclusion and expression. The department has provided, sponsored and hosted numerous events, programs and presentations since its creation in 2010, as well as being a crucial partner for the campus community in building tolerance and encouraging awareness.
ICA events are numerous and held year-round.
鈥淭his is a pretty exciting time for us,鈥� said Dana Patterson, director of ICA, who has a doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration from Washington State University and experience in diversity and inclusion training. 鈥淭o look back on a decade, while looking ahead to the future, is a milestone worth noting.鈥�
A 10th anniversary party will be held Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 2-5 p.m. in the ICA offices in the A.K. Hinds University Center. Light refreshments, conversations and shared memories, plus a video or two and perhaps couple of impromptu drag queen performances are expected.
鈥淭his office is like a big living room,鈥� Patterson said. 鈥淪tudents can meet up with friends, hang out and always feel welcome. It鈥檚 the sort of space where everyone is invited.鈥�
Dana Patterson
ICA came about as a merger of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Women鈥檚 Center and the Office of Multicultural Affairs, with a mission to help foster a campus environment where students from different backgrounds and cultural groups can feel appreciated, respected and valued. That commitment remains firmly in place, Patterson said.
鈥淚CA plays a really big role in students鈥� ability to feel grounded, to be accepted and do their best,鈥� she said.
Some of the programs that ICA is instrumental in presenting include 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Pride Week for the LBGTQ community; Martin Luther King Jr. commemorations in honor of the slain civil rights leader, Project Care initiatives to improve academic performance and the retention of underrepresented students; Native American Heritage Month and Black History Month.
For more information, contact ICA at 828-227-2276 or ica@wcu.edu.
