Recognition Banquet Honors Excellence
The Office of Intercultural Life hosted their annual Recognition Banquet “A Time for Reflection” on Thursday, April 26. Honored at the dinner were members of the Executive Committee of the Council on Multiculturalism, graduating seniors, exchange students, staff members, and student organization officers.
Following the family-style meal, Ken Morris, Jr., director of Intercultural Life, reflected on his own aspirations and accomplishments over the past year and invited students to share their perspectives as well.
The Office traditionally presents an award to a student from each class whose contributions were particularly valuable. This year’s recipients included:
- Monique Portwood (Outstanding First Year Student)
- Brendan Murphy (Outstanding Sophomore)
- Claudia Pineda (Outstanding Junior)
In addition, an award is presented to one student each year whose participation, creativity, and leadership enhanced Office programs:
- Nikki Wanty (Dedication, Excellence and Performance Award)
International students play an important role on Cornell’s campus and their presence leaves a lasting impression:
- Yeison Lara (International Ambassador Award)
Finally, the Office displays a permanent plaque honoring seniors whose accomplishments merit lasting recognition:
- Samantha Golden (Director’s Award)
The Council on Multiculturalism also honors its active members by voting for one faculty/staff member and one student to receive the Council Service Award:
- Doug Hanson (faculty)
- Stephanie Lampkin (student)
Janah Cook and Heather Bhimull congratulate Monique Portwood
Alumni Profile
What Ever Happened to . . .Jason Edwards?
Graduated: 1995
Major:Sociology and Ethnic Studies
Hometown:Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Current address:Cedar Rapids
Career Update:School Liaison for the Cedar Rapids Community Schools; currently enrolled at DrakeUniversity for Master’s in counseling.
Fond memories of Cornell: “I will always remember hanging out at the BACO House watching movies, barbequing, and playing spades. My best friends (more like brothers) are all guys I met at Cornell. I will remember advocating for change and acceptance at a small liberal arts college on the hilltop. I will remember all the lessons and experiences that have made me the man I am today!”
Council Announces New Exec Committee
The Council on Multiculturalism elected its new Executive Committee following their March meeting. The new committee will be responsible for exploring issues of diversity on campus, recommending speakers and events, and preparing an agenda for the general Council meetings. The Council meets the second Friday of each block at 11:45 a.m. in Harlan Dining Room. Most people bring their lunches to these informal meetings which are open to the entire campus community.
2007 – 2008 Executive Committee:
Doug Hanson Stephanie Lampkin Marie Brandewiede Saydra Wilson Gayle Luck Christopher Cole
Aparna Thomas Nikki Wanty Sarah Clunis Claudia Pineda
Student Spotlight
Name: Samantha Golden
Hometown: Madison, WI
Major: Psychology and Human Services/Higher Education
Year: Senior
Hobbies/interests: Playing in the orchestra and steel drum band, watching movies/TV, and celebrating my senior year!
What she likes about Cornell: I like the ability to be involved in a lot of activities. Cornell has given me a unique experience and perspective that I can transfer to my future goals.
Future Plans: Planning to attend graduate school at SeattleUniversity for Student Development Administration.
Student Spotlight
Name:Chrissy Borisova
Hometown:Pazardjik, Bulgaria
Major:International Relations and Economics and Business, minor in Spanish
Year:Senior
Hobbies/interests:Loves reading books because “they can always teach you something new,” exercise, cooking and sampling different cuisines, learning different languages (especially from other international students), collecting state coins and watching movies (especially dramas).
What she likes about Cornell: The location and scenery create a very peaceful environment. OCAAT and the small class sizes “allows you to concentrate on your studies and you can’t procrastinate.” Chrissy also likes the athletic department and cross country team as well as talking to the international students where she has an opportunity to learn different languages.
Future plans:Chrissy will be working for one year after graduation, then plans to attend graduate school for international relations.
WHAT: WAGstock is a feminist women’s music and arts festival held every other year at Cornell and hosted by WAG. There will be a variety of musicians and local artists participating.
WHEN: WAGstock will be held Saturday, May 26 beginning at 1:00 p.m. on the Ped Mall.
WHO: It’s for everyone!
WHY: WAGstock is meant to celebrate women’s music and student art – and to have fun! Two bands will be coming from Chicago: Ang13 and Unmuvabo. TWRG is also working on getting one more act and seeking local talent to perform and show their art.
For more information, contact Gretchen Auten or Megan Duffy.
Intercultural Life Welcomes New Staff
The Office of Intercultural Life is pleased to announce the new student program assistants for the 2007-2008 year. Stephanie Lampkin will be returning to continue her work with international programs and will be joined by Claudia Pineda, Monique Portwood, Chris Cole and Josh Youngblood. All four new students share a commitment to promoting diversity on campus and creating programs with an intercultural focus. Chris and Monique hail from Wisconsin, Claudia calls Chicago home and Josh (like Stephanie) is from Ohio. Chris and Claudia are transfer students, Josh will be a senior and Monique will be a sophomore as they begin their ICL careers.
Goodbye and Good Luck!
Eyes of the World will be hosting a farewell picnic on Sunday, May 20 at noon in NaturePark. Everyone is welcome to join the fun and offer a fond farewell to: Smriti Angara, Chrissy Borisova, Mi Lin Choi, Su Jin Choi, Marian Connolly, Dimo Dimitrov, Belain Eyob, Robert Fisher, Yuji Kobayashi, Yeison Lara, Echo Liu, Hassaan Malik, Kavir Shrestha, and Nii Yemofio.
What’s Up??
May 3: EOTW Culture Trip (St. Louis) thru May 6
May 11: OLA “Dancing with the Stars” 6:00 p.m. OC
May 17: PALS at the Pal (leave from Circle at 4:00 p.m.)
May 19: BACO Block Party (noon BACO House)
May 20: EOTW Farewell Picnic 11:30 a.m. NaturePark (Quarry)
May 25: Hillel Shabbat Dinner 6:30 p.m. Stoner House
May 26: WAGstock (see related article this issue)
May 28 and 29: Stoner House Study Table 8:00 p.m.
June 2: Commencement 1:30 p.m. SportsCenter
Fun May holidays we bet you didn’t know!
May is National Better Sleep Month, National Salad Month, National Hamburger Month, National Asparagus Month, National Egg Month, National Barbecue Month, National Good Car Care Month, National Duckling Month, National Strawberry Month, and American Bike Month. Other May observances:
May 4: National Weather Observers Day
May 6: Beverage Day
May 7: National Roast Leg of Lamb Day
May 8: No Socks Day
May 10: Clean Up Your Room Day
May 11: Eat What You Want Day
May 13: Mother’s Day (just so you don’t forget)
May 14: Beginning of Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804
May 15: National Chocolate Chip Day
May 16: Wear Purple for Peace Day
May 17: First KentuckyDerby in 1875
May 18: Visit Your Relatives Day
May 19: Ringling Brothers Circus opened in 1884
May 21: American Red Cross founded in 1881
May 22: Buy an Instrument Day
May 24: First Morse Code sent in 1844
May 25: National Tap Dance Day
May 26: Blueberry Cheesecake Day
May 27: Masking tape was patented in 1930
May 30: Ice cream freezer patented in 1848
Cultural Connection is a monthly newsletter focusing on students, programs and services supported by the Office of Intercultural Life.
Questions, comments or guest columns may be submitted to Box 2604.
You may also contact the office if you wish to be added or dropped from the mailing list.
CulturalConnection
April/May 2007
Joseph Marshall: Heritage and Storytelling
By Nikki Wanty
On Thursday, April 19 Cornell students, faculty and staff, along with members of the community had the honor of welcoming Dr. Joseph Marshall III to the Cornell campus. Dr. Marshall, a native Lakota speaker, was born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota and grew up with the ancient tradition of oral storytelling. He has written many books including The Journey of Crazy Horse, The Dance House, and The Lakota Way.
I was first introduced to Joseph Marshall’s work when I took Mary Olson’s Contemporary Native Americans class in November. Every time I pick up one of Dr. Marshall’s books, I am completely enthralled. You can’t help but be drawn into the stories. The tales that Dr. Marshall weaves with words are even more compelling than the ones written on paper. They are infused with so much emotion and life.
As a student of anthropology and a person interested in culture, I felt that Joseph Marshall was able to convey the importance of storytelling and heritage to everyone, whether you are Native American, European-American, or African-American. You couldn’t help but come away from the talk intrigued to learn more about your own heritage. And personally, I know that I have been inspired to examine my own history and learn the stories of my ancestors.