Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion Events
Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration
Each spring the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion will offer multiple events in honor of "MLK Month". This month of celebratory events will include a variety of academic, social and cultural events to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The events includes the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon, a signature event for the SIUE community. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is pleased to celebrate the thirty-seventh annual Martin Luther Jr. Celebration. As part of the annual campus celebration, SIUE is pleased to host the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Awards, presented during the celebration luncheon.
This year the Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, Janaury 22, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. Tickets for the annual luncheon will go on sale November 22, 2020.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Luncheon
Registration is required in advance and tickets can be purchased HERE.
Signature Programs
Inclusive Conversations
Inclusive Conversations is a bi-weekly dialogue series designed to create consistent opportunities for students, faculty, staff and administrators to discuss cultural matters relevant to the health of the University community.
Sustained Dialogue
Sustained Dialogue is a program that allows students to explore race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability status and other topics that aren’t always easy to discuss in diverse groups. This 10-week program seeks to transform students for the better through conversations to share not just their opinions, but also hear stories and life experiences behind others’ perspectives. We have created a learning space for open dialogue that makes it possible for students from different sides of an issue to learn the root causes of community problems and build relationships to address these issues with new allies. Student participants are divided into groups of 10-12 students and meet on a weekly basis to create a safe space for dialogue of stories, opinions and contentious matters.
Black Heritage Month (February)
In collaboration with the Kimmel Center for Student Involvement and various academic departments, the CSDI will offer programming that acknowledge and honor the contributions made by African Americans in the United States and abroad.
Women's History Month (March)
CSDI will offer programming that acknowledges and honors the contributions made by women in the United States and abroad. The programming also aims to inspire and encourage all individuals that identify as a woman to strive for academic and cultural excellence at SIUE.
Diversity Month (April)
The month of April will be dedicated to highlighting and celebrating the diversity that makes our world beautiful. These events will serve as a reflection of the similarities and differences that challenge us to appreciate the value of other cultures and the impact it has on our society.
Latina/o/x Heritage Month (September-October)
In collaboration with the Hispanic Student Union, CSDI will offer programming to acknowledge and honor the contributions made by individuals of Latin decent in the United States and abroad. Events will include lectures, celebrations, performances, and field trips.
LGBTQ+ History Month (October)
CSDI will offer programming to acknowledge and honor the contributions made by members of the LGBTQ+ Community. Some events will highlight the struggles and issues LGBTQ+ students continue to face in society. Additionally, CSDI will work collaboratively with the SIUE Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) to hold an event specific to the National Coming Out Day.
Graduation Celebrations
Each semester the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion will host ceremonies in honor of our SIUE graduates representing various underrepresented populations.These pre-commencement ceremonies will celebrate the extraordinary achievements made by students that are members of traditionally marginalized groups. The ceremonies are implemented in collaboration with the Kimmel Center for Student Involvement, SOAR Office, and SIUE Safe Zone Program.
Black Graduation Celebration
The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, Kimmel Student Involvement Center, and the SOAR Office, hosts SIUE's Black Graduation Celebration annually in the Meridian Ballroom of the Morris University Center. The Black Graduation Celebration is a pre-commencement celebration to honor African and African American students who, through unyielding determination and academic achievements, have successfully completed an undergraduate, graduate or professional degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. More information about Black Graduation can be found here.
Rainbow Graduation Celebration
Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, SIUE Safe Zone, and the Kimmel Student Involvement Center host SIUE’s Semi-Annual Rainbow Graduation Celebration. Every Rainbow Graduation Celebration is free and open to all LGBTQIA+ and Ally SIUE undergraduate, graduate and professional students who have earned their degree. More information regarding the Rainbow Graduation Celebration can be found here.
Latinx Graduation Celebration
The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion and the Kimmel Student Involvement Center host SIUE's Latinx Graduation Celebration annually in the Conference Center of the Morris University Center. The Latinx Graduation Celebration is a pre-commencement celebration to honor Latino, Latina, and Latinx students who, through unyielding determination and academic achievements, have successfully completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. More information regarding Latinx Graduation Celebration can be found here.
Non-Traditional Graduation Celebration
The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, the Kimmel Student Involvement Center, and the Office for the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs host SIUE's Non-Traditional Graduation Celebration annually. This ceremony is for nontraditional students who are graduating with their undergraduate degree. The SIUE community would like to take the time to celebrate YOU by honoring your milestone accomplishment with a small recognition ceremony. More information about the Non-traditional Graduation Celebration can be found here.
