See This Website to Stay Abreast of Events Posted Throughout the Year

Cultural Engagement Calendar 2014-15

Annually, the Office of DEI provides the Cultural Engagement Calendar as an educational and community building resource. The primary purpose of the Calendar is to promote cultural events that educate and engage employees and students for their increased knowledge, understanding and value of diversity and for their full participation at DU and beyond. Moreover, the Calendar is a strategy for advancing the University's Employee Retention and Student Satisfaction key performance indicators. The Calendar includes events coordinated by
(1) DU departments, offices, faculty, and students, (2) DU Diversity Program Development Fund awardees, (3) the DEI Council and by
(4) community partners.

See this website to stay abreast of events posted throughout the year:

Subscribe to the Cultural Engagement Calendar via Gmail so all cultural observances and events will automatically post to your Gmail calendar! In Gmail, add to your "Other Calendars" list.

August 7
8 am – 10 am
Calvin College
Meeter Center Lecture Hall / SUPPLIER DIVERSITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Through the West Michigan Presidents Compact Committee (WMPCC), college and university presidents commit to promoting full respect and support for every individual and to combating interpersonal, systemic and cultural racism in higher education. In cooperation with WMPCC schools, this workshop features a panel discussion on supplier diversity: How do and why should colleges and universities adopt supplier diversity practices? What are potential pitfalls to avoid? What are keys to success?
August 22 / A CULTURALLY INTELLIGENT UNIVERSITY
David Livermore, Ph. D., Researcher, Speaker, Author
As part of DU’s annual, Teaching and Learning Institute, hear from Dr. David Livermore. Learn how diversity and inclusion are tied to strategic, measurable outcomes and require cultural intelligence from students, faculty and staff in order to achieve and maintain. David Livermore is a thought leader in cultural intelligence (CQ) and global leadership and the author of the new book, The Cultural Intelligence Difference. His book, Leading with Cultural Intelligence, was named a best-seller in business by The Washington Post. He’s president and partner at the Cultural Intelligence Center in East Lansing, Michigan and a visiting research fellow at NanyangTechnological University in Singapore. Prior to leading the Cultural Intelligence Center, Dave spent 20 years in leadership positions with a variety of non-profit organizations around the world and taught in universities. He’s a frequent speaker and adviser to leaders in Fortune 500′s, non-profits, and governments and has worked in more than 100 countries across the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe.
September 9-16
For specific films and times, see
Holland Civic Theatre Inc,
50 W 9th St, Holland, MI, / 2014 Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival
Three of the films are about Hispanics and education: Precious Knowledge, Underwater Dreams and Walk Out. The Saturday Walk Out film will include a Panel Discussion about past, current and future issues of education for Hispanics/Latinos and students of color and include one of the walkout's participants and several experts on the Chicano rights movement.
September 18
12 pm – 2pm
Lettinga Campus
Sneden Auditorium and live streamed via / CELEBRANDO EL MES DE LA HISPANIDAD
In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, experience rich Hispanic cultures and traditions by hearing from distinguished speakers, participating in drum and dance, and viewing and purchasing original artwork.
12-1pm Guest speakers and performances in Sneden Auditorium
1-2pm Original Art Show & Sale and refreshments in Meeting Halls 1 and 2
Jessica Cruz, Ph.D., Center for Latin@ Studies Associate Director @ Ferris State University,
earned bachelor’s degrees in French and Public Administration from Grand Valley State University, and master’s degrees and a doctorate degree with concentrations in Latin American and Bilingual-Bicultural education from Columbia University.
Erick Picardo, Visual Artist and Percussionist, performs and exhibits his art work in Grand Rapids and around the world, and is President of the Caribbean Coalition for Art and Culture in West Michigan. Known for his fantastical and vibrant paintings that draw from his Dominican heritage, he is also recognized for his Afro-Caribbean drumming and modern urban spoken word that is raw with more traditional and heartfelt poetry, with drums as a part of the performance.
September 22
6:30 pm
Lettinga Campus
Sneden Auditoriumand live streamed via / MARRIAGE EQUALITY
In observance of Constitution Day, Richard Roane, senior partner at the GR law firm of Warner Norcross and Judd, leader of their family law practice group and well known writer and lecturer in the legal community, will be speaking at 6:30 in the auditorium on Monday, September 22.
Sponsored by LA@DU
September 22
4 pm – 6 pm
4 pm Book Signing
Call (616) 234-3908 for signing ticket.
5pm Lecture
Call (616) 234-3390 for a lecture ticket.
Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse
111 Lyon NE
Grand Rapids, MI / AN EVENING WITH JIMMY AND ROSALYNN CARTER
Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States
Since his early days in political office, former President Jimmy Carter has championed human rights around the world. Most recently, Carter has pursued this passion through his work with The Carter Center. Together with his wife, Rosalynn, he founded the center in 1982 to address national and international issues of public policy. The Center works to resolve conflict, promote democracy, protect human rights, and prevent disease and other afflictions. In 2002, Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize for his social justice work.
Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady of the United States
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has worked for more than three decades to improve the quality of life for people throughout the world. Today, she is an advocate for mental health, caregiving, early childhood immunization, human rights, and conflict resolution through her work at The Carter Center. She is a member of the Center’s board of trustees. She created and chairs The Carter Center’s Mental Health Task Force, and each year, she hosts the Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy.
September 25
Holland Campusand live streamed via / Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
In partnership with Latin American's United for Progress, this event celebrates Hispanic Heritage in the greater Holland area and includes speakers, dancers, and authentic Hispanic food.
October 14
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
And live streamed / DU COMMON READ AUTHOR VISIT
Josh Sundquist, Author of Just Don’t Fall
Josh Sundquist is a Paralympic ski racer and bestselling author who has been featured on CNN and in USA TODAY and has spoken across the country to groups ranging from Fortune 500 companies to inner city public schools to the White House.
October 15
Grand Rapids Lettinga Campus
9 am – 2:30 pm / WEST MICHIGAN PRESIDENTS COMPACT COMMITTEE CONFERENCE
Through the West Michigan Presidents Compact Committee (WMPCC), WMPCC college and university presidents commit to promoting full respect and support for every individual and to combating interpersonal, systemic and cultural racism in higher education. In cooperation with WMPCC schools, this one-day conference features guest speakers and the opportunities to delve into specialized DEI topics for administrators, faculty and staff.
October 16
10 am – 11 am
Lettinga Campus
Sneden Auditorium
and live streamed via / ACTS OF COURAGE: Cooperation and Conflict Among U.S. Hispanics/Latinos
In celebration of the teachings of César E. Chávez, we will hear from Dr. Samuel Betances. As a biracial, bicultural, and bilingual citizen of the world, Dr. Samuel Betances has worked in all fifty states, all six U.S. territories, and in various countries including Japan, Korea, Germany, and Mexico. As a motivational speaker, he inspires willing learners to aim high, reject rejection, and embrace themselves and each other as powerful team members working toward a more prosperous future.Decades of university teaching, publishing articles, and consulting with private and public organizations bring to each event a breadth and depth of understanding on how we must make sense of differences. His newly released educational book/tape series Ten Steps to the Head of the Class has been outstandingly received by audiences everywhere.
November 11 / DU VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATION
November 12
7 pm
Gerald R Ford Fieldhouse
111 Lyon St. NE
Grand Rapids / PHD (Po H# on Dope) TO PH.D.: HOW EDUCATION SAVED MY LIFE
Elaine Richardson, Ph.D., Author, Professor, Recording Artist
Dr. Richardson’s one-woman show, PHD to Ph.D., features expressive performance, storytelling and music. Addicted to drugs, abusive controlling pimps, the streets, with short stints in jail, the cycle of death appeared to be her life with prison the inevitable end. Instead, she returned to school and never stopped. She became empowered with knowledge of her culture and history and changed her life. A Professor at The Ohio State University, her motto is: “Ignorance, low self-esteem and shame are killers. When you know who you are, nobody can control you.”
December 1 – 19
Deadline:
December 19 / DU WINTER WONDERS: OUR DIVERSE WORLD
Annually, people across the world observe many different holidays and traditions held this time of year (i.e. Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Chinese New Year, and Islamic New Year). Join us in making Davenport’s holiday festivities a time of celebration and a learning experience by participating in our 5th annual holiday contest!
December 4
5:30 p,m – 8 pm
Lettinga Campus
Sneden Center Meeting Halls / POVERTY SIMULATION
To be delivered by ACCESS, the poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from week to week. The object of the experience is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people and motivate them to become involved in activities which help reduce poverty in our communities.For sign up or other information, please contact Lindsey Shull at
January 18
6 pm / MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. INTER-COLLEGIATE CELEBRATION SERVICE
Davenport University leaders plan and co-sponsor this annual community-wide service with Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and local community representatives. This collaborative service and call to action gives witness to civil rights movements that still require faith, justice and action.
January 19
12:30 pm
Lettinga Campus
Sneden Auditorium and live-streamed via / DU ANNUAL MLK SILENT MARCH & CELEBRATION
January 19
6:30 pm
Gerald R Ford Fieldhouse
111 Lyon St. NE
Grand Rapids / 29th ANNUAL MLK COMMEMORATION PROGRAM
Davenport University leaders plan and co-sponsor this annual event with Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and local community representatives.
January 20
10 am – 11 am
Lettinga Campus
Sneden Auditorium & Meeting Hallsand live-streamed via / TRANSFORMING TRAGEDY INTO SOCIAL CHANGE: A MORNING WITH SYBRINA FULTON
Sybrina Fulton, Mother, Community Activist
Sybrina Fulton is dedicating her life to transforming family tragedy into social change. Since the death of her 17 year old son, Trayvon Martin, during the violent confrontation in 2012, Fulton has become an inspiring spokesperson for parents and concerned citizens across the country.
The publicity surrounding Trayvon’s death and the ensuing trial catapulted the country into national debate. Despite the intense struggle of losing a child, Fulton has become a role model to many by turning her grief into advocacy. Remaining strong throughout the trial and ensuing months, she lends her voice to speak against violence towards children and the need to build better, safer communities for all.
February 11 / THE GREEN BOAT: SUSTAINING OUR PLANET AND EACH OTHER
Mary Pipher, Ph.D., Author, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Pipher is concerned with how American culture influences the mental health of its people. In The Green Boat: Reviving Ourselves in Our Capsized Culture, she considers how easily we are disconnected from our emotions, our bodies, each other and the truth, as we are engulfed in devastating information about the fate of Mother Earth. Author of nine books, Dr. Pipher suggests we must reconnect our inner and outer lives to respond to this trauma with an awareness that leads to resilient coping and for many a transcendent response.
February 13
1 pm – 3 pm
Lettinga Campus
Meeting Halls / BLACK HERITAGE CELEBRATION @ DU
February
Midland Campus and live-streamed via / Women of Color Leadership Panel
Hear from women of color who are leaders in the Great Lakes Bay area on the “how-to’s” for successful personal and leadership development.
February/March / VAGINA MONOLOGUES
March / TUNNEL OF OPPRESSION
March 19
11 am – 1 pm
Grandville SW
Grand Rapids, MI / CESAR E CHAVEZ SOCIAL JUSTICE MARCH & COMMUNITY GATHERING
March / POVERTY SIMULATION
March / WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE
March 25 / THE DIVIDE: AMERICAN INJUSTICE IN THE AGE OF THE WEALTH GAP
Matt Taibbi, Author, Journalist
Matt Taibbi asked why does poverty rise, as crime goes down and the prison population doubles. He discovered the Divide, the seam in American life where troubling trends - wealth inequality and mass incarceration- meet. He contends that our basic rights are now determined by our wealth or by our poverty. Are the wealthy Untouchable? The poor criminalized? A New York Times bestseller, Divide paints an alarming portrait of
contemporary American life and provides a way forward against this crisis. He writes for Rolling Stone and recently launched a new digital magazine by First Look Media.
April / 6TH ANNUAL LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL
May
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Grand Rapids Public Museum / CINCO DE MAYO