Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center
Cultural Heritage Month Programming
The University of Dayton and the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center is committed to recognizing the histories, cultures, experiences, and contributions of diverse populations. Through cultural programming, MEC supports the University of Dayton’s academic mission by providing educational opportunities that assist students in exploring new experiences while also enhancing their understanding of their cultural identity. In collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and the Dayton community, MEC seeks to provide thought-provoking co-curricular programming that supports the personal development of all students, while also influencing the campus climate.
Educate, Empower, Engage
Individuals that participate in Cultural Heritage Month programming will:
- learn new knowledge about their culture or a culture different than their own.
- be exposed to diverse perspectives and experiences that will affirm their cultural identity.
- be exposed to experiences that complement the academic mission of the University.
Programming Schedules
Events
Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated between September 15 - October 15 each year. Please see below events for 2024!
September 18th: Culture Fest | KU Lawn
Culture Fest is an annual event attracting over 2,700 students, faculty and staff that come together to celebrate the rich cultural diversity reflective of the University of Dayton's campus. Culture Fest is a campus-wide collaborative initiative that showcases music, dance, spoken-word and diverse culinary traditions.
4:30pm - 7:00pm
September 18th: Arts & Crafts: Papel Picados | Alumni Hall 016
Build fellowship and learn how to make Papel Picados with University Ministry. Sponsored by University Ministry.
7:00pm - 8:15pm
September 19th: EOL x SHPE Hanging at the Hangar | The Hangar
Build fellowship with El Orgullo Latino and SHPE while playing games, bowling, and singing karaoke!
7:00pm - 8:30pm
September 20th: APsi Family Event | JHH 050
Spend time with Alpha Psi Omega as you paint and get to know one another.
6:30pm - 7:30pm
September 21st: PACO 22nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Festival & Parade | Riverscape MetroPark
Faculty, Staff, and Students are invited to participate in the parade to represent both UD and their cultures and countries. There will be events all day celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
Parade Meetup at 11:30am | Parade at 12p
September 21st: Carne Asada Potluck | 403 Stonemill Rd
Enjoy some food and community at the EOL House during Family Weekend. Sponsored by El Orgullo Latino, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Alpha Psi Lambda, and Gamma Phi Omega.
4:00pm - 6:00pm
September 23rd: APsi Baking Event | Food Lab 5th Floor Fitz
Enjoy preparing Latinx cuisine with Alpha Psi Omega.
6:30pm - 7:30pm
September 25th: EOL Game Night | KU 312
Think you got what it takes to win Lotería? Come try at the Latinx game night.
6:30pm - 8:00pm
September 25th: #FlyerMiles: Latinx Intersections (PATH Event - First-Years only) | KU 331
Students engage in a variety of ways, but what does it mean when engagement affects multiple aspects of one's identity? Part of Latinx Heritage Month, students will screen, "Real Women Have Curves." Afterwards, students will be discussing what it means to be Latinx AND on the UD Campus.
6:15pm - 8:45pm
September 26th: Arts & Crafts: Cempasuchil (Paper Flowers) | KU 311
Build fellowship and learn how to make Papel Picados with University Ministry. Sponsored by University Ministry and Alpha Psi Lambda.
6:00pm - 7:15pm
September 26th: #FlyerMiles: Latinx Intersections (PATH Event - Upperclassmen only) | KU 22
Students engage in a variety of ways, but what does it mean when engagement affects multiple aspects of one's identity? Part of Latinx Heritage Month, students will screen, "Real Women Have Curves." Afterwards, students will be discussing what it means to be Latinx AND on the UD Campus.
6:15pm - 8:45pm
September 28th: EOL Dominoes Tournament | 403 Stonemill Rd
Think you got what it takes to be the Dominoes Champion? Test out your skills at the Dominoes tournament.
3:00pm - 4:00pm
September 29th: Spanish Mass / Misa en Español | Marianist Hall
Campus Ministry will be having mass in Spanish on Sunday, September 29, 2024. Mass will be 4:00 PM and it will be celebrated at the Chapel located in Marianist Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend. We will have food afterwards.
Campus Ministry invita a todas las personas a asistir a la misa en español que tendremos el domingo 29 de septiembre a las 4:00 PM en la capilla de Marianist Hall. Tendremos comida y convivencia despues de misa.
4:00pm Mass | Dinner and Fellowship in MEC Family Room immediately after.
October 1st: Multicultural Programming Council Latinx Event | TBD
October 2nd: Arts & Crafts - Calaveritas (Sugar Skulls) | Liberty Hall 08
Students will learn how to make sugar skulls while understanding the history and meaning behind the items. Sponsored by University Ministry.
6:00pm - 7:15pm
October 2nd: APsi x GPhiO Make Your Own Piñata | TBD
Learn the cultural significance of piñatas and have the opportunity to make your own!
6:30pm - 7:30pm
September 28th: SHPE Game Night | MEC Family Room
Challenge other students to dominos or learn how to play lotería! Sponsored by Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.
6:00pm - 8:00pm
October 9th: Arts & Crafts | Alumni Hall 016
Students will learn how to make Latinx arts and crafts while understanding the history and meaning behind the items. Sponsored by University Ministry.
6:00pm - 7:15pm
October 17th: EOL General Body Meeting | KU 310
Even though Latinx Heritage Month may be over, the Latinx spirit lives on all year long! Continue learning with El Orgullo Latino's General Body Meeting.
7:00pm - 8:00pm
October 18th: EOL x APsi Latin Dance Lessons | KU 310
Sad that Latinx Heritage Month is over? Latinx culture thrives all year long! Come out and learn some Latin dance moves.
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Latinx Heritage Research Guide
The Roesch Library and The Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center invite you to learn more about Latinx Heritage Month itself as well as stories, contributions, triumphs and struggles of Latinx community members. This Research Guide offers a wide variety of topics covering the immense diversity within these communities from critical research to social movements; from LGBTQ+ stories to artists and authors. The wonderful collection of information is available through several mediums including streaming video, books, and articles. You can find the guide by following this link.
Sponsored by the Roesch Library and the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center
Events
NPAC 2024: The Gathering
The 2024 Native Peoples of the Americas Colloquium is "The Gathering," focusing on the intertribal connectiona and learnings from Native peoples. While many tribes experienced removal from these lands, their connection to them was not extinguished by settler encroachment and enforcement, and the speakers we are hosting will discuss how Indigenous people resist erasure and advance cultural continuance in their communities. Full a full list of sessions and more information, visit go.udayton.edu/NPAC.
Sunday, Nov. 4
"The Foundation of Lacrosse" Demonstration
2:00 p.m., Stuart FieldPresenter: Leon Briggs
Main sessions, Nov. 5
Opening Blessing
10:00 a.m., Humanities plaza
Sunwatch Village ad Beyond
11 a.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom
Speakers: Jill Krieg Stover
Jill Krieg Stover, Curator of Anthropology and Exhibitions for the Dayton Society of Natural History dba the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and SunWatch Indian Village / Archaeological Park, will join us for a discussion on SunWatch Indian Village and the current NAGPRA Grant that will help with restoration and repatriation processes. To learn more, go to www.sunwatch.org.
The Creator's Game: A lacrosse Discussion
2:o0-3:00 pm, Kennedy Union Ballroom
Speaker: Leon Briggs
Comanche Academy Charter School: “A Healing Place and Our Goal to Revitalize and Preserve Comanche Language, Culture and History through Our Youth”
3:30 p.m. -4:30 p.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom
Speakers: Gabriella Maietta
Join Gabriella Maietta (Comanche Nation) as she discusses ways in which Comanche Academy Charter School uses experiential learning as a means of language restoration.
“The Power of One: One Voice, One Group,
One Community”
5:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom
Stephanie Van Hoose, Mohawk, MBQ, T-MT citizen, Founder of REACH Indigenous Advocacy, and organizer of Dayton’s Inaugural Indigenous People’s Day, and REACH Fest Native American heritage festival, will join us for a “fast pass” discussion on how every single person contributes to Indigenous Advocacy, and how and how to remove the barriers that divide us. For more information, visit reachindigenousadvocacy.com.
Monday, November 11: Yintah Screening (PATH First-Years)
Mirroring the scope and ambition of the Wet’suwet’en fight to protect unsurrendered lands from theft, YINTAH offers the definitive account of a historic wave of Indigenous resistance to Canadian colonialism. Drawing from more than a decade of verité footage, the film shadows two Wet’suwet’en leaders (Freda Huson and Molly Wickham) as they reoccupy and protect their homelands in the face of state violence. Must register for event.
7:00 p.m. Sears Recital Hall
Friday, November 15-17: R.E.A.C.H. Fest: Native American Heritage Festival
Engage in a Native America Heritage Festival featuring a special historic art exhibit, women veterans panel, drum performances, dance contests, crafts, storytelling and more! For more information, visit www.
Wright State University Student Union
Thursday, November 21: #FlyerMiles: Indigeous Intersections
Students engage in a variety of ways, but what does it mean when engagement affects multiple aspects of one's identity? Part of Native American Heritage Month, students will engage in dialogue on the intersections of being Indigenous AND ______.
4:30 p.m. KU 310
Thursday, November 21: Yintah Screening (PATH Upperclassmen)
Mirroring the scope and ambition of the Wet’suwet’en fight to protect unsurrendered lands from theft, YINTAH offers the definitive account of a historic wave of Indigenous resistance to Canadian colonialism. Drawing from more than a decade of verité footage, the film shadows two Wet’suwet’en leaders (Freda Huson and Molly Wickham) as they reoccupy and protect their homelands in the face of state violence. Sponsored by te Native Peoples of America colloquium committee. Must register for event.
7:00 p.m. Sears Recital Hall
Other opportunities to learn:
Check out the University Libraries' Native American and Indigenous Peoples Resources.
Events
Please check back for Black History Month 2025 Programming. Below, you will find examples from LHM 2024.
Thursday, February 1: Black History Month MEC Day Lunch: Taste of Soul
Join MEC as we enjoy some soul food in the spirit of fellowship and in celebration of Black History Month. A variety of dishes associated Black culture will be served and catered by Soul Sistahs. This event is free to all UD students, faculty and staff. First-come, first-served.
11:30 A.m. - 1:30 p.m. MEC Family Room, Alumni hall 104
Friday, February 2: Spades Tournament
Do you have what it takes to land on top during our Black History Month Spades tournament. A celebration and staple in Black culture, Spades is a card game that is significant to many families. Find a partner and sign up here to try your luck. Top two teams will receive prizes.
5:30p.m. MEC Family Room, Alumni Hall 104
BATU WEEK 2024
Monday, February 5: Black Professionals in White Spaces: A Discussion
This event features an in-depth discussion surrounding Black professionals in White spaces. Open to all students, faculty, and staff.
6:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. KU 312
Tuesday, February 6: Jewelry-Making
This event allows participants to create their own jewelry inspired by Black excellence. Open to all students, faculty, and staff.
7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. KU 331
Wednesday, February 7: African-American Folklore
This event features a presentation on the history of African-American folklore followed by a writing workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to reimagine or recreate their own version of folklore via short stories, poems, or paintings. These pieces will be eligible for submission to the BATU Ball Gallery.
Thursday, February 8: BATU Film Festival
Discover Black culture in a series of films present by BATU.
6:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. KU 331
Saturday, February 10: BATU's Black Excellence Ball
The Black Excellence Ball is returning as a culmination to BATU Week and a highlight of Black History Month festivities. There will be a brief recognition ceremony, great music, a photo booth and a Black Excellence Gallery. Tickets will go on sale on 1850.
7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Kennedy union Ballroom
Monday, February 12: MEC Lunch and Learn - Building Your Network (Supporting Black-Identifying Women)
Fifth Third Bank would like to collaborate with the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center to hold a safe space to discuss professionalism, networking and the nuances of the professional world for multi-ethnic students. The Lunch & Learn sessions will be a series of programs where students are able to gain more insight and ask pertinent questions related to the workforce. Open to all students, faculty, and staff.
12:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. MEC CONFERENCE ROOM 116
Thursday, February 15: Celebrating Black Excellence: An MPC Event
Join MEC and Multicultual Programming as we celebrate Black excellence through community-building, presentations, and more.
6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. KENNEDY UNION 211
Friday, February 16: Black Hair is Important: Its Importance and Impact through Time
Join Diversity Peer Educators in a discussion of Black hair. This event is PATH-eligible.
5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. ROESCH LIBRARY - THE COLLAB
Tuesday, February 20: Queer Renaissance: A Black History Month Event
“Straight past, queer future”
As we celebrate Black History Month, we don’t always hear about it from a queer lens. Queer folx have made significant contributions to academics, business, fashion, art, government, and so many other spaces. Join us for an interactive history lesson that highlights the often neglected influence of QPOC, specifically Black folx, on culture and society. Is there a QPOC who has made a contribution you want us to include? Add their name here!
8:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. ARTSTREET STUDIO B
Thursday, February 22: MEC Lunch and Learn - The Digital Universe: Social Media Etiquette & Awareness (Supporting Black-Identifying Women)
Fifth Third Bank would like to collaborate with the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center to hold a safe space to discuss professionalism, networking and the nuances of the professional world for multi-ethnic students. The Lunch & Learn sessions will be a series of programs where students are able to gain more insight and ask pertinent questions related to the workforce. Open to all students, faculty, and staff.
12:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. MEC CONFERENCE ROOM 116
6th Annual Maafa Commemoration Week
Monday, February 26: Waist Bead-Making + African Dinner
Join Campus Ministry and the Multi-Ethnic Education & Engagement Center for a discussion of Maafa, history and significnce of waist beads and community fellowship.
7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. ADELE MCGINNIS
Tuesday, February 27: Kindred Book Club Dinner + Discussion
As part of the Maafa Commemoration Series, students, faculty, and staff have read Kindred by Octavia E. Butler. This event highlights the culmination of the book club and will debrief with a discussion surrounding the book. RSVP Required. Sponsored by the Multi-Ethnic Education & Engagement Center.
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ADELE MCGINNIS LOUNGE
Wednesday, February 28: Abiyomi Doll-Making Workshop with MPC
As part of the Maafa Commemoration Series, join the Multicultural Programming Council and the Multi-Ethnic Education & Engagement Center in learning about Abayomi dolls and even create one yourself! The Abayomi doll is a symbol of resistance with the word ‘Abayomi’ a term meaning 'precious meeting' in Yoruba. The MAAFA is a Kiswahili term for "terrible occurrence" or "great disaster". It refers to the Black Holocaust when millions of Africans died during the journey of captivity from the west coast of Africa to the shores of America, known as the Middle Passage.
7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. ALUMNI HALL 016
Thursday, February 29: MAAFA Night: "We Will Never Forget"
The MAAFA is a Kiswahili term for "terrible occurrence" or "great disaster". It refers to the Black Holocaust when millions of Africans died during the journey of captivity from the west coast of Africa to the shores of America, known as the Middle Passage. You are invited in an attempt to honor our ancestor who have suffered through the Middle Passage and the lives that continue to be compromised due to racism and oppression. Featuring a drum circle and meditation experience. In collaboration with Campus Ministry and the Multi-Ethnic Education & Engagement Center.
7:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M. ALUMNI HALL 016
Maafa at UD
The Inaugural Maafa Commemoration was held on the campus of the University of Dayton in February of 2019.
Black History Month Research Guide
The Roesch Library and The Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center invite you to learn more about Black History Month itself as well as stories, contributions, triumphs and struggles of Black Americans. This Research Guide offers a wide variety of topics from the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter; from LGBTQ+ stories to Black artists and authors. The wonderful collection of information is available through several mediums including streaming video, books, and articles. You can find the guide by following this link.
Events
Please check back for Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month 2025 Programming. Below, you will find examples from APAHM 2024.
*UD celebrates APAHM Month in April while students are in Spring Session.
Thursday, April 4: Ramadan Iftar
As Ramadan comes to a close, we invite our campus community to join us for this 'Iftar,' or 'breaking of the fast,' observed by Muslims throughout the world and at the University of Dayton. Delicious and culturally relevant food will be served with a light program highlighting Muslim Student Association accomplishments, introduce new executive board members, and guest speakers, Youssef Elzein and Mohammad Mustafa, who will speak on the importance of unity across our local community and beyond. Seats are limited, so registration is mandatory. RSVP here! . Co-Sponsored by the Muslim Student Association, Campus Ministry
7:30pm - 9:30PM KU Ballroom
Friday, April 5, Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7th: Additional Ramadan Iftar Opportunities
Salaam! Alhamdulillah. This Ramadan, the Muslim Student Association is able to provide weekend Iftar for students on campus, courtesy of the Islam Center Centerville. For more information, please email MSA at msa@Udayton.edu.
Maghrib | Message MSA for more information
Sunday, April 7: AAAxEOLxBATU Community Cookout
In collaboration, the Asian American Association, El Orgull Latino, and Black Action Through Unity will host this event to bring the MEC and UD Community together to celebrate the beginning of UD's AAPI Heritage Month. Food and fun will be included!
12:00PM - 3:00pm Artstreet pavilion
Thursday, April 11: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month MEC Day Lunch
Join MEC as we come together in the spirit of fellowship to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month through food, music and education.
11:30am - 1:30pm MEC Family room, Alumni hall 104
Thursday, April 11: EOLxMPCxMSA: Similarities of Spanish and Arab Languages
The Musliam Student Association, Multicultural Programming Council and El Orgullo Latino invite you to discuss the similarities of Spanish and Arab languages. This will be a wonderful opportunity to engage and learn. Cultural food provided.
7:00Pm - 8:30pm MEC Family room, alumni hall 104
Friday, April 12 - Saturday, April 13: AAA/MEC Retreat
Come to AAA's first retreat! This event is a space intended to support those with Asian identities but is open to all UD Students. Sign up here! Registration begins at 3pm with a meal and activities before leaving for Camp Kern in Oregonia, OH at 5pm. Students will return to campus at 4:30pm on Saturday.
Friday 3:00pm - saturday 4:30pm Camp kern
Monday, April 15: Movie Screening + Asian Representation in Media Discussion
MEC will be screening, Everything Everywhere All at Once, followed by a discussion on Asian representation in Media. UD Scholar in Residence and UDDE Director, Kisa Li '15, will be facilitating the discussion.
4:30pm - 7:30p KU 310
Friday, April 19: Asian American Association Formal - AAPI Pride
8:00pm - 10:00pm East ku ballroom
Monday, April 22: MECxMPCxAAAxSASE: Hula Lessons
Join us as we bring Olohana's Polynesian Dance to teach Hula Dance Lessons! Open to all in the UD Community.
6:30pm - 7:30p VWK Main
Asian and Pacific American Heritage Research Guide
The Roesch Library and The Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center invite you to learn more about Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month itself as well as stories, contributions, triumphs and struggles of Asian and Pacific Americans. This Research Guide offers a wide variety of topics covering the immense diversity within these communities from critical research to social movements; from LGBTQ+ stories to artists and authors. The wonderful collection of information is available through several mediums including streaming video, books, and articles. You can find the guide by following this link.
Sponsored by the Roesch Library and the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center
MEC Days
MEC Days are opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to share a meal together, in community, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. Approximately three to four MEC Days are held each year in conjunction with a holiday, kicking off a cultural heritage month or other special day. MEC Days are instrumental in building community between members of the UD community.