The Diversity Fellowship

Binghamton University Homecoming 2018: Alumni of Color (AOC) programs and events

The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) held its annual events and programs during Homecoming 2018. On Friday, Oct. 5, the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) and the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development hosted the AOC Career and Networking Social in the Maines Veterans Memorial Arena in downtown Binghamton. The event was an invitation to students and alumni to congregate and have an opportunity to talk about job opportunities, network and socialize. This event was held before the Black Student Union Annual Fashion Show and Banquet and drew about 30 attendees.

On Saturday, Oct. 6, the MRC hosted an Open House where alumni and guests could stop by the Multicultural Resource Center and get a tour of the facility. The tours were executed by the Culture Connects volunteers and interns who showed the lounge space, meditation and prayer room, resource room, meeting spaces and intern working space.

Following the MRC Open House, DEI, MRC and the Q Center hosted our annual AOC Day Party and BBQ at the Homecoming Tailgate at the Events Center from 3-6 p.m. Alumni, guests and current students visited the AOC tent where people could receive tickets for BBQ-style food and raffle prizes, and enjoy music and fun. According to the ticket count, DEI received more than 500 guests to the tent to get food and beverages. This was the highest turnout of alumni to the AOC BBQ, and more than 700 guests and students were in the AOC-designated area.

Advisor for the National Society of Leadership and Success: Binghamton University Chapter

At the start of the fall 2018 semester, DEI’s diversity fellow Jose L. Maldonado served as the primary advisor for the National Society of Leadership and Success: Binghamton University Chapter. The position ensured that the organization continued to follow through with its mission to provide critical and supportive advisement to the organization leadership boards, as well as to ensure that they have adequate resources from the University and the campus community.

Academic Support and Events Center professional liaison for the Department of Athletics

Interim Chief Diversity Officer Nicole Sirju-Johnson, in partnership with the Department of Athletics, Events Center facilities and Student-Athlete Success Center provided the opportunity for DEI diversity fellow Jose L. Maldonado to work as a professional liaison during the fall 2018 semester. He will continue in this role in spring 2019, as we provide an observational and supportive role to him as a student affairs practitioner who desires to learn about Division 1 collegiate athletics through the opportunity of facilities management and academic advisement. The goal is for Maldonado to develop necessary and critical skills sets as a professional working with student-athletes, and provide diversity resources to those members of the campus community who may not know of the services provided by the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

MRC Student Manager and Culture Connects Intern training

With the leadership of Tanyah Barnes, Kelly Clark, Lea Webb, Graduate Program Assistants and Jose L. Maldonado, undergraduate students who were hired to the MRC and the Q Center participated in a four-day orientation incorporating sessions around the functions, duties and responsibilities of their positions working within the center spaces. Students participated in team-building activities and our building bridges to cultural competency module, along with planning and preparation sessions for the upcoming fall semester.