At Southern, we are committed to identifying and addressing systemic barriers to equity, access, and success for all members of our community. We treat one another with dignity, respect, kindness, compassion, and civility as we share varying perspectives, with the goal of creating an inclusive culture for our students.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Excellence Fund supports the transformational practices, intentional education, and restorative experiences that aid in Southern's commitment to developing a holistic and supportive community. The fund directly supports the Integrated Justice and Social Change Collaborative aims to support three targeted initiatives that create a holistic vision of serving these communities:
- The Integrated Justice and Social Change (IJSC) Collaborative, which connects and bridges individuals, groups, and organizations to dismantle racist and oppressive structures of all kinds that lead to reimagined pathways of success grounded in mutual understanding and an all-inclusive community.
- Inclusive and Restorative Justice Education Opportunities – Building a community of care must incorporate comprehensive opportunities for inclusive and restorative justice education. The Division aims to bolster targeted opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and administrators to learn and apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to enact an environment of cultural humility.
Attention Students! Dr. D has challenged all student donors during Southern's Day of Caring on April 3rd! He will match ALL student donor's gifts up to $5,000!! Make your $25 senior gift today and get matched by Dr. D!
Which challenge will you compete for?!
On President’s Day weekend, more than 40 students across disciplines, clubs, and organizations traveled to Washington, D.C., to engage in activities over four days in our nation’s capital.
Their weekend started with an alumni gathering at the Capital Hilton, steps away from the White House. Students had the opportunity to hear from area-based alumni, their peers, Interim President Dwayne Smith, Director of Alumni Relations Gregory Bernard, and Assistant Director of Career and Professional Development Rachel Cunningham Exavier.
Caleb Rutherford, president of the Black Student Union, said he was most looking forward to the networking event on Friday evening.
“While it might seem like a minor part of the trip, our usual interaction with alumni isn’t as frequent as we’d like,” said Rutherford. “We’re aware they’re accessible, but we don’t often utilize this connection. This trip enhances that opportunity, especially since these alumni are not just part of the university but also our organizations. They understand its history and operations and can offer valuable insights into careers, Southern, or our organizations themselves.”
Over the weekend, students had the opportunity to tour Smithsonian museums, visit monuments such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and Lincoln Memorial, and spend two days at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
“The African American History Museum helped me understand more about the struggles and hurdles our ancestors had to overcome and still the resilience and beauty that was born from it,” said Khaiesha Robinson, a senior social work major. “It enhanced my college experience and education by helping me understand the importance of traveling and exploring the unknown.”
The trip to Washington, D.C., was always an annual affair for the Black Student Union, according to Dawn Stanton, director of University Access Programs. It was the COVID-19 pandemic that forced the trip to be put on hold for two years, disrupting what had been a longstanding tradition. However, once restrictions began to ease and it became safe to travel again, campus organizations began planning their return.
“I hope experiences like these will encourage our students to return with their families, and one day their children and future generations,” said Stanton.
“This opportunity allows our organization to collaborate with sibling organizations, bond during a trip, and learn more about our history and culture,” said Rutherford. “It was a key focus for enhancing social engagement.”
419 days ago by Kaitlin Ingerick
Not sure how to spread the word about Day of Caring to your friends and family?! Check out the recommended advocacy timeline and visit the Day of Caring Advocacy Tool Kit for tips and tricks!
Sign Up with GiveCampus (top right corner!) and share your own personal giving link, upload to social media, text, email and more!
433 days ago by Kaitlin IngerickDonors
View All Donors| Affiliation | Donors | Raised ($) | Goal ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alumni | 11 | $6,085 | 2000 |
| Faculty/Staff | 11 | $2,085 | 2000 |
| Parents | 1 | $50 | 2000 |
| Friends | 3 | $10,075 | 2000 |
| Students | 2 | $300 | 2000 |
